Center Court: Ben Ball (Pac-10 Opener) Game Thread

Big Night!

Can't wait for tonight! Go Blue!!!!!

The Pac-10 is going to be ruthless this year. It will be an interesting season, to be sure... we could see 6 teams in the tourney, come March.

GO BRUINS!

by Fedup on Dec 28, 2006 7:01 PM PST reply actions

This is going to be a tough game

It sounds like WSU is a less talented version of our team last year. At least I feel pretty confident in either AA or DC's ability to shut down Low, who apparently has become their "go to guy". I hope to see the initial effort from the Michigan game tonight, and while the results may not come as quickly, that intensity should put the victory away by the middle of the second half.

by Tydides on Dec 28, 2006 7:19 PM PST reply actions

T

If you are watching this game tonight ... do you want to do post game?

I am still tired staying up till 2 am to watch and then get over last night's debacle.

by Nestor on Dec 28, 2006 7:21 PM PST up reply actions

Alright, I got it

I should probably make up for not being able to properly watch KD's latest debacle, although I did get properly drunk because of the results.

We really need a win tonight, not a blowout, just a solid win to ease the pain a little. Let's hope I can put up a positive post game thread tonight.

by Tydides on Dec 28, 2006 7:25 PM PST up reply actions

Yeap

Thanks man.

I am expecting a win and hopefully a followup of some of the crisp performance of last Saturday. Also we have been shooting well at the FT line for last two games. Hope we can keep it up.

I will take a win (not worried about blowout) and then get set for Sunday's show down.

by Nestor on Dec 28, 2006 7:30 PM PST up reply actions

WSU is a small team

We should be able to outrebound and out bang them and control the game.

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 7:20 PM PST reply actions

AZ commentators are insufferable

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 7:22 PM PST reply actions

Yeah

tried watching that garbage broadcast. Couldn't make it for more than 3 mins. No one was playing when I was watching.

by Nestor on Dec 28, 2006 7:23 PM PST up reply actions

Unlike football

Mr. BB are 3-0 when watching/listening to basketball.

by bruinbabe2000 on Dec 28, 2006 7:25 PM PST reply actions

Oh yeah?

UCLA is 74-4 when I'm at Pauley. (1991-2005)

by alcor805 on Dec 28, 2006 7:30 PM PST up reply actions

In that case

Bruins (the football team) are 4-0 when I have watched them in person against those thugs from Southern Cal. (91-94)

by Nestor on Dec 28, 2006 7:31 PM PST up reply actions

1-0 for me

1998. One of the greatest days of my life.

by bruinbabe2000 on Dec 28, 2006 7:32 PM PST up reply actions

Foster's Freeze

4 TDs from the Bruin freshman.

Ayanbadejo treating Palmer like a rag doll. Awesome game.

by Nestor on Dec 28, 2006 7:34 PM PST up reply actions

Cade's last regular season home game

When he left the game, I screamed, "I love you Cade!" Mr. BB and had been dating for about seven months and it was the first time I met Mr. BB's brother.

by bruinbabe2000 on Dec 28, 2006 7:37 PM PST up reply actions

Last comment wins?

I don't remember when Pauley opened, but I'm undefeated there. I think it was 66 - the year we went 18-8 and didn't go to the tournament - until I left in '71, plus one other game much later in which the Bruins trailed by something like 6 with 9 seconds left and the other team had the ball. We won in regulation. Brad Holland was the big hero of that game.

OK, who's next?

by Fox 71 on Dec 28, 2006 7:40 PM PST up reply actions

Ok, this was for this season

When we watch or listen together. Both mens and womens basketball are undefeated when Mr. BB and I see a game at Pauley. We are going to the Washington game on Sunday.

by bruinbabe2000 on Dec 28, 2006 7:32 PM PST up reply actions

So an FYI for everyone

The Victory Bell is in the front lobby of the Morgan Center. You can see it from the entrance. Mr. BB and I wanted to see the hall of fame today, but it was closed and Mr. BB was pissed.

by bruinbabe2000 on Dec 28, 2006 7:34 PM PST reply actions

Damn Luc was wide open underneath

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 7:36 PM PST reply actions

Let's get the ball down low before we go for 3's

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 7:36 PM PST reply actions

AA

I think sometimes try to hard to create his own shot. The kid needs to get in the flow of our offense. Just like Shipp did it there.

by Nestor on Dec 28, 2006 7:37 PM PST reply actions

OT -- A Coach Playing to Win

With about 40 seconds left in the first half, Cal gets the ball, leading by 4. Take a knee? No way. Cal moves the ball into field goal range. They missed the kick and, you know what? The sky didn't fall.

Later in the game, leading by 11, 4th and 1, take the 3? No way. they go for and get the touchdown.

That's called playing to win.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Dec 28, 2006 7:46 PM PST reply actions

Yeap

going for the kill.

by Nestor on Dec 28, 2006 7:47 PM PST up reply actions

Tedford is usually conservative too

He has started to change his habits

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 7:47 PM PST up reply actions

Other than the game

How has your trip been?

by bruinbabe2000 on Dec 28, 2006 7:47 PM PST up reply actions

Absolutely Great!

Always good to come home -- Texas will never be home.

Spent a week in LA with my folks and now in Sebastopol with my brother.

Everything about the game, but the game, was great. Especially watching my daughter fall in love with the Bruin Band (see my Diary about this).

Thanks for asking.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Dec 28, 2006 7:54 PM PST up reply actions

2 fouls for Aboya already

damn

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 7:47 PM PST reply actions

Fuck, Roll has 2 as well

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 7:48 PM PST up reply actions

holy shit WSU's defense is good

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 7:50 PM PST reply actions

Agreed

Better than Texas A & M

by alcor805 on Dec 28, 2006 7:53 PM PST up reply actions

Why is Aboya in there?

by Nestor on Dec 28, 2006 7:50 PM PST reply actions

What the hell does Here. Now mean?

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 7:51 PM PST reply actions

that commercial

is a joke.

by Nestor on Dec 28, 2006 7:52 PM PST up reply actions

Hmm

What channel is this on guys?

by thzone1986 on Dec 28, 2006 7:53 PM PST reply actions

FSN Prime or FSN Pacific

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 7:54 PM PST up reply actions

FCS Pacific I mean

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 7:54 PM PST up reply actions

FSN Pacific

that's what I meant.

by Nestor on Dec 28, 2006 7:55 PM PST up reply actions

Fox Sports West for me

on Comcast Cable out in the Mid Atlantic

by Nestor on Dec 28, 2006 7:54 PM PST up reply actions

Nothing if

you are still hanging around the bay area after last nights game

by bruinhoo on Dec 28, 2006 7:58 PM PST up reply actions

I am in the bay area

You have to pay to get FCS Pacific

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 8:00 PM PST up reply actions

part of the Digital package

unfortunately my dad doens't have it

by bruinhoo on Dec 28, 2006 8:01 PM PST up reply actions

Shit, we might run out of players at this rate

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 7:57 PM PST reply actions

Something's been nagging at me

and I finally figured out what it is. The differences between Farmar last year and Collison this year usually don't make much of a difference against most teams we play. But I will argue that DC is a point guard that does better against athletic teams while JF was a guard that was better suited to the WSU's of the world with his passing ability. In this game at least, we do miss having Farmar at the point.

by Tydides on Dec 28, 2006 8:06 PM PST reply actions

Yeap

Also I really want AA to let the game come to him and not force it. AA has the talent. He can get his points. But let him get it in the flow of the game. Comeon boys. D Up!

by Nestor on Dec 28, 2006 8:08 PM PST up reply actions

Yeah

We also need to run some more plays to get guys open. Afflalo and Shipp are trying to create their own shots and they frankly just cannot do it against very good defensive teams.

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 8:08 PM PST up reply actions

Free Throws

They make them. We don't.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Dec 28, 2006 8:10 PM PST reply actions

How is that an offensive foul on DC

when Low can crash into Mata and get no call?

Pac 10 officials: Worst in the country.

by Tydides on Dec 28, 2006 8:12 PM PST reply actions

Collison and Westbrook's penetration

is going to be very important in this game. It is clear that they are the two players WSU cannot keep in front of them. Luc to a certain extent as well, but we need him down low.

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 8:13 PM PST reply actions

Westbrook

hanging in there.

Comeon guys.

by Nestor on Dec 28, 2006 8:16 PM PST up reply actions

That was just a terrible decision by Shipp

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 8:19 PM PST reply actions

Yeap

by Nestor on Dec 28, 2006 8:19 PM PST up reply actions

F U Refs

OMFG what a bogus call.

by Nestor on Dec 28, 2006 8:19 PM PST reply actions

Time for a patented Howland half time speech

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 8:25 PM PST reply actions

Halftime Adjustments

well this is going to be interesting:

BH needs to calm DC down;
AA and Josh - seriously look for team-mates. Let the game come to you
rebound, run, but please no stupid shots (looking at you Josh)
refs are calling a disgusting a game. but we can't lose our poise
we played well defensively in the last 7 mins of first half. Let's keep that intensity
DEFENSE DEFENSE DEFENSE
Make the FTs

by Nestor on Dec 28, 2006 8:26 PM PST reply actions

Only down 4

WSU starting to stumble offensively, a couple turnovers and stalled possessions. We need to continue to take care of the defensive end if we want to win, but the foul problems could really end up hurting us. As for the offense, AA and Shipp need to hit their open shots.

by Tydides on Dec 28, 2006 8:27 PM PST reply actions

I hate when Pac-10 refs call the game so tight

Let them bang and play tough with each other.

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 8:28 PM PST reply actions

I think we are going to need to count on Luc

Get him the ball down in the post. Helps prevent them from coming from the weak side and blocking so many shots.

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 8:29 PM PST reply actions

Yeah

Luc needs to crash inside. I don't want Luc to fall in too much love with outside 3 pt. shots. He has made some. His bread and butter is rebound. Make sure you do that well Luc before falling in love with outside shots.

by Nestor on Dec 28, 2006 8:31 PM PST up reply actions

of course

he starts the half with a 3 pt attempt.

by Nestor on Dec 28, 2006 8:41 PM PST up reply actions

I really hope we get Jrue Holliday

to compliment Malcom Lee. We need guys who are able to create their own shot when things break down. Afflalo and Shipp can do it, but not against good defensive teams and "long" teams.

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 8:35 PM PST reply actions

This is why Afflalo is a second rd NBA pick

Teams play far more wide open in the NBA and run far less complicated offensive schemes. This creates way more one on one play. The fact that most NBA players are so long will really hurt Afflalo. I think he can be a nice player just because of his work ethic and the overall lack of good defense in the NBA.

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 8:39 PM PST reply actions

But not being able to get seperation really hurts

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 8:40 PM PST up reply actions

Luc is still not consistent enough

WSU is going to gladly lay off him

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 8:42 PM PST reply actions

Our shooters are really streaky

Even are supposed gun in Roll is not a dead on guy.

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 8:43 PM PST reply actions

Jerime Anderson needs to graduate early

Westbrook needs to be put at SG, because that is what he is.

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 8:45 PM PST reply actions

What a horrible shot!

Shipp really irritates me

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 8:48 PM PST reply actions

Comeone!!!

fuck

by Nestor on Dec 28, 2006 8:52 PM PST reply actions

There's the AA we need

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 8:52 PM PST reply actions

FT's getting a little better?

about all I can say about this performance so far

by bruinhoo on Dec 28, 2006 8:57 PM PST reply actions

AA finally finding his range

Still down 2, defense has been a step slower than the first half sans Luc's block.

by Tydides on Dec 28, 2006 8:57 PM PST reply actions

Defense!!!!!!!!!!!

Luc D - AA 3

D starts our offense.

D
D
D
D
D

by Nestor on Dec 28, 2006 8:57 PM PST reply actions

Collison

He has a pulse and is on fire!

by BruinFan1 on Dec 28, 2006 8:59 PM PST reply actions

Defense picking up

The game is won on that end of the floor, especially in a game like this.

by Tydides on Dec 28, 2006 8:59 PM PST reply actions

about time

by bruinhoo on Dec 28, 2006 8:59 PM PST reply actions

Defense

Just D it up BABY.

by Nestor on Dec 28, 2006 8:59 PM PST reply actions

Playing with some fire now

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 9:00 PM PST reply actions

You know what we got?

We got mo' mentum then WSU right now.

by BruinFan1 on Dec 28, 2006 9:00 PM PST reply actions

Just gotta play smart

play smart guys.

Play defense, drive to the basket, and only shoot those 3s within the flow of the game.

by Nestor on Dec 28, 2006 9:01 PM PST up reply actions

Just like Nestor said

We are playing defense with some intensity and it is translating to offensive end, which creates this momentum shift.

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 9:01 PM PST up reply actions

We've established the outside

WSU's interior should soften considerably now that they can't sag off of our shooters.

by Tydides on Dec 28, 2006 9:01 PM PST reply actions

Man such ticky tack horseshit

Fall to ground you will get a foul this game.

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 9:04 PM PST reply actions

Are you kidding me?

Luc didn't even make a move in the direction of the basket. Biggest. Flop. Ever.

And surprise, the Pac 10 refs bought it.

by Tydides on Dec 28, 2006 9:04 PM PST reply actions

Where is the contact?

Fuck I hate Pac-10 officiating.

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 9:05 PM PST reply actions

WHERE WAS THE FOUL ON LOW

No seriously, don't call what you can't see.

This is an abomination.

by Tydides on Dec 28, 2006 9:06 PM PST reply actions

WHAT THE FUCK!!!

How is that not a charge.

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 9:06 PM PST reply actions

Are these refs blind?

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 9:09 PM PST reply actions

Effin Tools

Effin pac-10 refs.

by Nestor on Dec 28, 2006 9:10 PM PST up reply actions

I think its a hiring requirement at Walnut Creek

by bruinhoo on Dec 28, 2006 9:15 PM PST up reply actions

I hate complaining about refs

but in a game like this with so few possessions, their incompetence is really having an impact.

by Tydides on Dec 28, 2006 9:10 PM PST reply actions

not to mention

Cougars are playing bunch of Vlade Divacs flopping all over the place. And these assclowns are buying the acts.

by Nestor on Dec 28, 2006 9:11 PM PST up reply actions

Indeed... officials are awful tonight

The flopping is insane!

by Fedup on Dec 28, 2006 9:22 PM PST up reply actions

DC dribbled, dominated the ball

ended up canning a 3 with the clock winding down.

Shades of Farmar, and in a game like this, that's a great thing.

by Tydides on Dec 28, 2006 9:17 PM PST reply actions

How did Shipp

make that shot? Yes Roll!! finally!! go Bruins!

by bruin95 on Dec 28, 2006 9:21 PM PST reply actions

hey there now

I think retarded persons deserve more respect than to be compared to Pac-10 referees.

by bruinhoo on Dec 28, 2006 9:27 PM PST up reply actions

Michael Roll

Now that's "growing"

What a sequence ... awesome defensive play following up with a clutch trey.

by Nestor on Dec 28, 2006 9:23 PM PST reply actions

WHAT ARE THESE FOULS THEY'RE CALLING?

They've kept them in the game with bailout free throws up to this point, but time is winding down. Time to make yourselves scarce refs.

by Tydides on Dec 28, 2006 9:23 PM PST reply actions

That miss was karma

Refs are way too conspicuous in this game

by Fedup on Dec 28, 2006 9:26 PM PST reply actions

Hey guys

The gametracker is being a retard for me (stuck at halftime). Someone plz hook me up with a score update?

by thzone1986 on Dec 28, 2006 9:26 PM PST reply actions

53-47 UCLA

1:57 remaining. WSU ball.

by Tydides on Dec 28, 2006 9:28 PM PST up reply actions

53-47 good guys

1:57 left

by bruinhoo on Dec 28, 2006 9:28 PM PST up reply actions

we're up by 6 with 1:57 left

43-37 I think

by bruin95 on Dec 28, 2006 9:28 PM PST up reply actions

47-53 bruins

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 9:27 PM PST reply actions

Nice

thanks!

by thzone1986 on Dec 28, 2006 9:28 PM PST up reply actions

53-47

1:57 left time out

Cougs will have the rock.

by Nestor on Dec 28, 2006 9:28 PM PST reply actions

Aww shit.

This is not good for my health.

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 9:31 PM PST reply actions

Oh god

I hope this isn't what happened last year to WSU happening to us. How did DC miss that layup?

by Tydides on Dec 28, 2006 9:31 PM PST reply actions

I can't take this

by Nestor on Dec 28, 2006 9:31 PM PST up reply actions

Collison hit on the arm on the last drive

We can't buy a call... at home no less.

by Fedup on Dec 28, 2006 9:32 PM PST reply actions

HOW DID THE REFS MISS THAT?

They call phantom crap, and then DC gets his arm grabbed and NOTHING?

by Tydides on Dec 28, 2006 9:32 PM PST reply actions

Clutch free throws by AA

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 9:34 PM PST reply actions

You said a mouthful

Very clutch.

I am glad this one is finished. WHEW!!

by Fox 71 on Dec 28, 2006 9:37 PM PST up reply actions

BALLGAME!!!!!!

Nice win. Hard fought

by Fedup on Dec 28, 2006 9:34 PM PST reply actions

I am spent

my heart is beatin ... and I need to go sleep. Gotta wake up early to pick up Mrs. N from the airpor early tomorrow.

See you guys tomorrow.

We dodged a bullet tonight. We also did it last year too.

We are 12-0. Moving on to Washington

We need to be lot more focused this Sunday.

by Nestor on Dec 28, 2006 9:36 PM PST reply actions

I can breathe again

by trainwreck84 on Dec 28, 2006 9:36 PM PST reply actions

closer than I would have liked

after witnessing last night's debacle, I was hoping for something a little more relaxing

by bruinhoo on Dec 28, 2006 9:36 PM PST reply actions

oh man

that's what was back on my mind. After what happened last night if WSU (a very well coached team) pulled it out tonight, next 24-48 hours would have been gutt wrenching.

Phew.

DC was the man tonight. Howland got him focused and D tightened up.

Pac-10 refs as usual were dogshit.

by Nestor on Dec 28, 2006 9:38 PM PST up reply actions