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Around SBN: Holy War Week Brings out the Worst in Fans

Methodical Machine

Ben Ball warriors pull off another HUGE ROAD win, setting themselves up for a great start in the conference season.

Tonight was yet another total team effort against a very talented Cal team. The final score was 70-58. (boxscore). As MJ said during the broadcast, we looked like a "methodical machine." Love was spectacular. Luc and DC had some clutch shots. And, of course, there was the prototypical Ben Ball defense and offensive execution down the stretch that helped us cut down the Trees.

All that said, in my book, here is the story of this afternoon:


Photo Credit: AP Photo/Ben Margot(via ESPN)

That's AA's heir apparent. If he keeps this up (not to mention his lockdown defense, explosiveness to the basket, fire and hustle around the boards, great ability to find team-mates, and composure down the stretch) we will have to retire the initials "RW" in the Nation.

Oh, by the way, Ted Rebinson (the idiot Fox Broadcaster) ... what "rivalry"?

Thread it up in yet another Ben Ball post game victory thread.

GO BRUINS.

Update -T: Thanks to psyberchologist we now have video as well

0 recs  |  Comment 69 comments

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RW had at least 2 highlight plays
The facial and that alley-oop that he somehow made while getting fouled.

by UCLA4Life on Jan 5, 2008 5:36 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

I can't get enough of Westbrook
The dude is relentless and constantly attacks the  ball. That said, another great victory for our Warriors. Their play at the beginning of the 2nd half was a little off, but then they settled down and let their D take over. Good job bruins!

by OutOThsWrld on Jan 5, 2008 5:41 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Most impressed
By the way we atacked the zone in the 2nd half...Westbrook and the others all were shooting the mid-range J and hitting them enough to put Cal out of the zone...good quick ball movement and no hesitation once the ball was delivered for the kids to go to the soft parts of the zone and pull up rather than just swinging the ball limply around perimeter for 30 seconds and watching DC or Shipp jack a 3 or else trying to force the dribble penteration into the middle. Nice!

by ucladj89 on Jan 5, 2008 5:41 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Great Road Win
Any win on the road is great in this league.

We all knew Cal would have one last run in them in the second half. They did, and it wasn't nearly enough. They wore down and wilted under the pressure of the defense.

It is the Ben Howland way.

PS: For some reason I look at that picture and "Soulja Boy" starts playing in my head.

by Tydides on Jan 5, 2008 5:42 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Best dunk of the year by far so far
Has to be the top play on Sportscenter tonight, without a doubt. Great flush.

Very impressed with Love again this game. He gets the ball in such great position (must give credits to the wing players for getting him the rock) and has excellent pump fakes. He's just such a sophisticated player for a freshman.

by MbahABako on Jan 5, 2008 5:42 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

I dunno
Shipp's against Davis is up there too

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jan 5, 2008 5:55 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

driving home from game now
Got to meet Russell before the game. Nice kid. Big (I'm 5'11; he's easily 6'3"). I was right behind the hoop when Russell dunked. Astonishing. His athleticism at the hoop is remarkable. Unreal. 2nd half he skyed and blocked Hardin's shot. Sent it backward on a 2-handed slam attempt. Refs called a foul because you just couldn't believe it. (Maybe he got him with the body? I couldn't see that.) Astonishing. What a player.

Also, seeing Love work the low block, he owned Hardin. Couldn't be stopped. My first time seeing him in person, and his skill level shines through even more up close.

Those 2 are the difference between winning and losing on the first Monday in April.  Color me impressed.

by BruinsRule on Jan 5, 2008 5:46 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

MJD!!!
Tearing up the Steelers!

Kick return to the 1 yard line to set up Jacksonville's first TD.

Just now a pass from Garrard and he makes one man miss and he waltzes into the endzone.

21-7 Jacksonville

by Tydides on Jan 5, 2008 6:20 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Hey T, Ms, A or others ...
If you guys stumble on Westbrook's posterizing Boykin on youtube (I have been looking!) put it up on the homempage.

As MJ said when it happen, "Boykin got youtubed!!!"

Boykin must have learned that from Coach K. If that was AA2, Mata Real or any of others they would have taken the charge like real warriors.

by Nestor on Jan 5, 2008 6:26 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I doubt it'll be up for a while
someone would have to get that off their Tivo into digital form first. That usually takes a while.

Meanwhile MJD puts on a huge block on a rushing linebacker. Did I mention I love this guy?

by Tydides on Jan 5, 2008 6:30 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Gotcha
I will look for it tomorrow am.

MJD is killing it.

by Nestor on Jan 5, 2008 6:32 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I'll keep looking at the typical places
until I go to sleep.

This day will be perfect with a Jags win and a SUC loss.

by Tydides on Jan 5, 2008 6:36 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

MJD
Reggie who?

by chaphill1 on Jan 5, 2008 9:15 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

WHAT AN UGGGGGGGLY GAME
Prediction: UCLA wins conference 14-4.

by Howland on Jan 5, 2008 6:50 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed
both teams playing like crap. Obviously Furd got up for us and couldn't bring it again. SUC just Sucks.

by Tydides on Jan 5, 2008 6:52 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

1:03 to go
Stanford 48 - 43 USC

by SuperBruinMan on Jan 5, 2008 7:01 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

SC is clawing back
i can't believe the ineptness of both of these teams.

48-43 stanford, with a free throw coming up for SC.

by freesia39 on Jan 5, 2008 7:01 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

ugliest game of the year
Prediction: UCLA wins conference 14-4.

by Howland on Jan 5, 2008 7:02 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

idiots
Prediction: UCLA wins conference 14-4.

by Howland on Jan 5, 2008 7:05 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

USC is terrible.
Now they have to deal with Washington St. in home opener.
Prediction: UCLA wins conference 14-4.

by Howland on Jan 5, 2008 7:09 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

wow nuts
mayo for three, misses of course.

bunch of tip in attempts by SC, misses each time.

scrum on the floor for the ball.

haha students are chanting "just like football"

2 seconds left.  ridiculous.  50-46 stanford

by freesia39 on Jan 5, 2008 7:08 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

8 Pac 10 Teams
would have taken Stanford the way they played tonight. Unfortunately for SUC, they are not one of them.

by Tydides on Jan 5, 2008 7:09 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

stanford wins
52-46 stanford.  finally hit some FTs.

haha USC, 0-2 in conference!

by freesia39 on Jan 5, 2008 7:09 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

0-3
Home opener vs Washington St is a L.
Prediction: UCLA wins conference 14-4.

by Howland on Jan 5, 2008 7:10 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

hey, they're still tied for 9th in the pac-10...
Oh wait, that means they're tied for LAST.
crazy gap closers... oj mayo looked terrible last night. I hope he continues to try and take over the game by himself

by bruinbunz on Jan 6, 2008 9:46 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

K Love and RW great
but this was truly a team win. Overcame lots of foul trouble, and someone always stepped up, even when the shooting went cold. Super start to Pac 10 play.  Fun to watch MJD also!

by Vanman7475 on Jan 5, 2008 6:57 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

TOUCHDOWN MAURICE JONES DREW
Second TD of the night, this time on a run!

28-10 Jacksonville

by Tydides on Jan 5, 2008 7:17 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Another ugly game WAZZ vs. WASH
Prediction: UCLA wins conference 14-4.

by Howland on Jan 5, 2008 7:41 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Just returned home from Berkeley
First off, I have to say that UCLA fans were out in force today. From the train ride into town, the walk around Berkeley and inside Haas Pavilion, a surprisingly high proportion of Bruins. I happened to luck into sitting in an area full of Bruins.

I look forward to looking through the game thread later to see just what came through on TV, but to me; Love and Westbrook stole the show. The SPTR's were out in full force, particularly in the 2nd half.

by bruinhoo on Jan 5, 2008 7:45 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

I heard you
There were audible U-C L-A chants throughout the game. And unless Cal happened to be booing us after Luc scored, there were plenty of "LUUUUUUC" chants to be heard as well.

by Tydides on Jan 5, 2008 7:50 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Jaguars game
that call was BS

by uclaov1 on Jan 5, 2008 8:14 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

This would have been over
a while ago if Del Rio didn't go Dorrellian with his offense in the second half. Playing Not to Lose DOES NOT WORK.

At least it goes further to prove one thing: trOJans burst under pressure.

by Tydides on Jan 5, 2008 8:21 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Garrard is a beast
Use those legs, baby!

by Tydides on Jan 5, 2008 8:30 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Jags retake the lead
31-29, with 0:37 left

by bruinhoo on Jan 5, 2008 8:36 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Game Over!
Rothlesberger fumbles, Jags recover with 0:20 left, no TO's for anybody.

by bruinhoo on Jan 5, 2008 8:38 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

UW 48, WSU 47
6 minutes left.

Busy sports night.

by Tydides on Jan 5, 2008 8:40 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

ugly ass game
Prediction: UCLA wins conference 14-4.

by Howland on Jan 5, 2008 8:40 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

MJD Made the Horse Trailer
I think that was his best game as a pro.  I love that kid.

by bruinbabe2000 on Jan 5, 2008 8:51 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Well
as a die-hard Jags fan since year 2, I've seen a lot of performances and he has the most impressive performance I've ever seen, but it was last season versus the Colts. 160+ rushing yards and 300+ all-purpose yards. Absolutely amazing. I love MJD and I'm STOKED the Jags are playing next weekend.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jan 5, 2008 9:02 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Should have rephrased it to say
Best game I've seen him play.  I had to get married to get the NFL Sunday Ticket, so now I can watch MJD more.  Mr. BB is a cheesehead, and Green Bay is playing several road games close to Birmingham next year.  One of those is Jacksonville.

by bruinbabe2000 on Jan 5, 2008 9:05 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Ahhh lucky you
I've traveled to see the Jags a few times (in fact I will be in either Indy or Boston for next weekend's game), but I've yet to see them play in Jacksonville. I'm hoping to do it next year, but it depends on how much money I have saved up after the summer.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jan 5, 2008 9:08 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

If we do go, I would root for Jax
The other games we are considering (Tennessee, New Orleans, and Tampa) I would root for Green Bay.  It depends where my father-in-law can get tickets (it's his idea).

I would like to go to New Orleans, but I heard from a couple  of co-workers that it is just nasty since Katrina.  Nashville, I hear, is a very nice city.  It also depends on when they play.  Mr. BB's grandparents stay down near Tampa from October to April, so if they play Tampa late in the season, we might combine a visit with the game.

by bruinbabe2000 on Jan 6, 2008 8:50 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Wazzu leading a close one
53-51 lead over UW, with 0:29 in regulation.

by bruinhoo on Jan 5, 2008 8:55 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

WASHINGTON SUCKS
Stupid idiots made very idiotic mistake imaginable in this game. Missed layups, missed dunks. Can't hit a free throw. I want them flat out DESTROYED in Pauley. By 50pts.
Prediction: UCLA wins conference 14-4.

by Howland on Jan 5, 2008 9:04 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

BOOOO WASHINGTON
Prediction: UCLA wins conference 14-4.

by Howland on Jan 5, 2008 9:05 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Jrue Holiday and Campbell Hall
on FSN Prime Ticket right now.

by Tydides on Jan 5, 2008 8:56 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Holiday
is just dominating the entire floor. This kid is special.

by Tydides on Jan 5, 2008 9:04 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Jrue looked great
Didn't catch the WSU game, would have liked to see those two teams before they came to LA next week.

by Raisin on Jan 5, 2008 10:06 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Can I just say
that I think a lot of you guys (in the open-game blog) get way too down on Josh Shipp. It'd be one thing if he were jacking them up over good defense, and it'd be another thing if he were forcing looks at the wrong times, but after being at the game today and rewatching tape of it, it seemed to me that his shots were a) in rhythm and b) open.  If he hadn't hit a 3 in four games, I'd understand complaining that he still took 8 3's today, but he just came off of a 5-8 game.  Only today, 2 of those went in, but that's still shooting a better % than anyone else on the floor minus Love (and who's gonna beg Love to shoot 8 3's a game).  That "in the flow of the game" stuff seems to be, for the most part, a way to explain the amazing phenomenon that not every shot goes down.  To bag on Shipp taking those 3's is throwing him under the bus, which he has endured a lot over the last year and a half from many fans and so-called fans.  If Howland believed those shots weren't going to start going down, he'd tell Shipp to quit, but you never point the finger at Howland.  I'm not saying Howland deserves finger pointing at all, I believe Shipp was perfectly justified in taking all but maybe 1 or 2 of those three today because Howland believed they could go in, and if we've learned anything, it's that Howland is usually right.  Stop throwing Shipp under the bus just because he doesn't make every shot Howland gives him.

by yarrrp on Jan 5, 2008 10:58 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

One thing about the internet
is that its so easy to post, it's almost like speaking.  It's one thing to aptly analyze events in a game 6 hours after its completion (as you have done), and its another to watch the game an agonize over in-game happenings real-time.  I'm sure many of the comments made regarding Shipp were emotional ones made in a tight game.

by MrGray on Jan 5, 2008 11:06 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

You're right
and I'm not responding so much to the "ooh, ugly 3" comments, but more of the "he's taking stupid 3's, needs to be in the flow of the game" comments that claim to analyze but are really, just as you said, real-time agonizings.  It just seems to take an analytical high-road.  And these kind of comments are not at all limited to in-the-moment occurrences, they persist across different games using that same tactics, like the "flow of the game" stuff.  But like you said, I can't (and don't want to) attack people for what they post as it happens.

by yarrrp on Jan 5, 2008 11:16 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

for those of you that have the game tape
watch the Westbrook dunk one more time.  This time, focus on Josh's reaction at the bottom of the screen.  Josh was literally jumping up and down from joy after that dunk.  Josh was yelling at him for the next minute....even while Cal was shooting free throws on their next possession.

by bornagainbruin on Jan 7, 2008 9:15 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

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