UCLA SMASHES UC Berkeley

by Nestor on Mar 13, 2008 6:03 PM PDT in Basketball Comment 53 comments

Well then.

There is no need to gloat around here.

Ben Ball warriors clinch what is very likely to be their first number 1 seed under Coach Howland at UCLA.

Bruins play their best game since they trashed Arizona a few weeks ago on national TV. They come out with fire, focus, and intense desire, reminding us of the Ben Ball warriors of the last two Marches.

DC was in total command (19 pts, 5 assists). Shipp got back in rhythm scoring 18 and going 3 for 6 from the three point line. Love got in foul trouble a little early but LMR comes in to firestart a classic Ben Ball lockdown/defensive rally with monster blocks (4 of them) and this ferocious dunk:

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian (Via ESPN)

The final score was 88-66 and it wasn't even that close. Here is the box score and AP recap. Again the best part of tonight's game was the way our guys came out in first half. DC and his team-mates had fire in their eyes and the Bears didn't have a prayer.

As mentioned above Bruins can now be pretty much assured of a number 1 seed out West, which will be their first number 1 seed since 1995.

Yeah. I know we have a game tomorrow night. It's against Southern Cal and no doubt there will be a lot of hype in LA's MSM. But I don't really care. Bruins should just come to tomorrow feeling no pressure, letting it all hang out, playing lose, as if they are playing a glorified exhibition game. All I care about is making sure we play our game but more importantly stay healthy for the Big Dance.

Go ahead. Thread it up in a Bear smashing Ben Ball post game victory thread.

GO BRUINS.

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Who's going to Staples tomorrow? Want to meet up?

The only tickets available on Ticketmaster are in the 300's sections for ~$40. I've seen the Kings play there from the 300's so it's kind-of okay.

So who's going to Staples tomorrow? What section are you in? I'm deciding whether to go there or O'Hara's in Westwood.

by mark the bruin on Mar 13, 2008 6:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

What a Game

I was fortunate enough to have attended the game today at Staples. Obviously an impressive, statement-making victory. I have a question for Nestor or whoever can answer it. Does anyone know why Howland suddenly decided to play Dragovic meaningful minutes today after having him ride the pine for so long? He came in ahead of Keefe (who only finally got in during garbage time) and maybe even Aboya (although I could be wrong about that). I thought he was even injured and was questionable for the weekend. Just curious.

by DH91 on Mar 13, 2008 6:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Before I answer your question ...

what is up with your username?

by Nestor on Mar 13, 2008 6:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can I e-mail my answer to you?

by DH91 on Mar 13, 2008 6:11 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

You may

But I will say right now ... your username is incredibly offensive.

Please let me know what other username you would like to use and will change it accordingly. Its just tasteless and should have no place here.

Thank you.

by Nestor on Mar 13, 2008 6:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry, didn't mean to offend

Can you please change my usermane to DH91?

by DH91 on Mar 13, 2008 6:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cool

I really appreciate that DH.

Now to answer your original question my speculation (based on what I have heard from Howland before) is that his players earn mins based on the kind of defense they play in practice.

I am guessing Dragovic performed better in practice in the defensive end compared to Dragovic and thus earned more mins. Howland never plays favorites and again he always doles out time to his best defensive players based on practice performance. I am speculating Dragovic had a good week in practice compared to Keefe.

Thanks again.

by Nestor on Mar 13, 2008 6:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thank YOU

You're the man Nestor ... thanks.

by DH91 on Mar 13, 2008 6:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Back at you

Thank you.

by Nestor on Mar 13, 2008 6:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What about...

The Gauntlet? I mean, a 5 point shift is huge right about now. Or could it be that most of us do not care about the Gauntlet... I do.

However, I think that it is best that our BBWs come out loose because they probably will play better. Then the question becomes whether they play better with something-- pride, seeding, or etc.--on the line?

by Bruins100NCAA on Mar 13, 2008 6:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Gauntlet

Its nice but I never really cared.

I just want us to play well but more importantly stay healthy. I don't trust Timmeh's guys and their dirty tactics considering what they did to LRMAM and LMR during first half at Pauley.

by Nestor on Mar 13, 2008 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agree about the Gauntlet

It's a car commercial, for crying out loud.

Nestor, you probably are too young to remember, but we used to have a guy named Larry Hollifield. He was a big, very physical guy. Very few guys threw elbows. There were very few "Bill Laimbeer" fouls. The reason was that everyone knew that when Coach put Hollifield in, Hollifield sometimes went a little out of control. He wasn't dirty. He just went north and south a lot better than he went east and west.

There was also a guy on Oregon State named Harry Gunner, who was also a tight end on their football team.

If we had guys like Hollifield or Gunner on our bench, I think the thugs might think twice before pulling their tactics.

by Fox 71 on Mar 13, 2008 6:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What the hell is the Gauntlet?

Vaya con dios.

by boston bruin on Mar 13, 2008 7:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

An award sponsored by Lexus

going to the overall winner in head-to-head contests between UCLA and 'SC across all men's and women's sports for an entire school year. IIRC, 'SC has a slight edge over us so far this year.

Yeah, it hasn't caught on with the mainstream yet.

by snorkeldorf on Mar 13, 2008 8:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Competition between us and SC

Based on the games between the two accross the board, in every sport. Right now, we're not doin' too well this year, but they haven't clinched.

by jaffa on Mar 13, 2008 8:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And its

alternated between schools in its six years of existence...each school with three wins...ucla being the last school to win it...apparently there is a gauntlet for cal and Stanford...its really all a gimmick

O.A.

by Ollie on Mar 13, 2008 9:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Total Domination

Glad to see that there was no doubt about this game. They led start to finish and really played well throughout. If they play like that in the Tourny they will be hard to stop. Great game by a great TEAM!

Bruce

by BruceBruinFan on Mar 13, 2008 6:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Love's defensive intensity seemed higher

[If someone already commented about this on the game thread--I apologize. I didn't have time to read through them all.]

Is it me or did Love seem like he wanted to show a little more "D" today? I felt he challenged more shots and went for more blocks (not always successfully--e.g., the Hardin dunk in the second half). However, I loved the effort. Perhaps it is a function of him getting a vote or two from the other coaches for the defensive team. It seems like he took it to heart. Obviously the downside is a greater risk of collecting fouls, but it turned out well today. Plus, a rested Love for the second-half of games is a scary sight for opposing teams.

by Dienekes on Mar 13, 2008 6:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Everyone Played with Intensity

I really think Cal's whining pissed people off.

We started strong -- great to see -- and never let up.

LMR and AA2 -- both of whom always play peddle to the metal -- we at another level.

I was glad Stanback got some time.

If he hits the weights and goes through a Ben Ball transformation, he'll be very important next year.

I really wanted this one to shut cal up.

I usually hope for as many Pac 10 teams to get bids -- but Cal pissed me off last week.

I hope this massacre keeps them out of the tournament and puts them into the NIT.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Mar 13, 2008 6:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

They never had a chance

The only way Cal was going to get as much as a sniff of the NCAA's was to win this tourney. NIT's may be a stretch for them, actually.

by bruinhoo on Mar 13, 2008 6:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stanback

Kid's going to have the freshman-to-sophomore breakthrough just like Mata-Real, Collison and Westbrook have had.

by Raisin on Mar 13, 2008 6:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Chace can

contribute now in this tourney and the NCAAs. That move to the basket he had was nice and he has a nice 3point shot. Chace's breakthrough will come in the next couple weeks.

by bruin95 on Mar 13, 2008 11:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stanback

It would be great to see him get some mins tomorrow along with Keefe.

I think we really need to rest up LRMAM.

by Nestor on Mar 13, 2008 7:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can I get a......

High five for LMR! God I love that guy!

Go UCLA!

by madmaxucla on Mar 13, 2008 6:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

WOW...

only negative is the Memphis like FT %. Again, a stretch to even mention it when the team dominated in all other facets. Go Bruins, beat SC!

by Vanman7475 on Mar 13, 2008 6:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

yeaaaaah

can't say i'm mad i ditched the last class of the quarter before finals to watch this one. i dedicate this win to doug gottlieb.

by deepdish on Mar 13, 2008 6:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you Nestor

I really don't care about tomorrow's game. The Bruins impressive win today guaranteed the No.1 seed out west. I'd be perfectly fine with Howland resting guys like LRMAM and Westbrook.

by BruinFanBaby on Mar 13, 2008 6:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Easy to say

When you don't have tickets to the championship game ;)

by Menelaus on Mar 13, 2008 10:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Does Oregon Get In Even if it loses to WSU?

Oregon's down by 17 almost at the half.

I think Kent is gone and Few will be in.

If Oregon loses, I see ASU going in -- they really had a good year and beat some good teams, but a big loss might keep Oregon at home.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Mar 13, 2008 6:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Hmmm...

Are you sure that Few would leave Gonzaga for UO? I know there's the Phil Night money and more exposure, but the man loves coaching the Zags. That'll be interesting to watch.

by Allofmybros on Mar 13, 2008 6:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Local Rumors

I was in Portland a few weeks ago and the rumors on the street and in some of the papers was that Kent was gone and Few was the choice to replace him.

I think Oregon is building a brand new fieldhouse and the alum's who are paing for it want Kent gone.

Just rumors but interesting rumors.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Mar 13, 2008 6:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Unlikely, I think.

They really need this game to have a solid shot at the NCAA's. They don't have a particularly strong non-conference resume; Kansas State is their best win, and they lost to Nebraska and Oakland University. They were 1-7 against the top 4 teams in the Pac-10 (swept by UCLA, USC and WSU, 1-1 v. Stanford).

ASU is teetering on the bubble as well. Their overall non-conference profile is weaker than Oregon's, but they have a blowout win over Xavier, while their worst loss came in their season opener (Illinois, at the Maui Invitational). They also split their season series with Stanford and USC (2-6 against the top 4 in the regular season).

It is entirely possible that the blown call today could keep them out of the NCAA's. Though members of the media will surely tell you that it is nothing compared to the injustice that was Memphis being ranked #3 in this week's Coaches poll, rather than the #2 they would be had Cal gotten the call last Saturday.

by bruinhoo on Mar 13, 2008 6:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oregon making a game of this

they have brought their deficit back into single digits, 51-60.

by bruinhoo on Mar 13, 2008 7:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tough call for me

Generally, I would prefer WSU to win this game, but an Oregon win could get them into the NCAA's, which of course is another bright spot for the conference this year.

Oregon now down by 7, 53-60.

by bruinhoo on Mar 13, 2008 7:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If Oregon loses

I have to believe the Ducks miss the tourney, ASU squeaks in as an 10/11, and Few is in. Of course, I have no evidence to back this up.

Vaya con dios.

by boston bruin on Mar 13, 2008 8:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

With the 'Cats losing badly ....

I don't see how the NCAA tournament committee can justify putting them in ahead of either ASU or Oregon who both lost respectably. I think ASU and Oregon both squeak in and the 'Cats wind up in the NIT.

by snorkeldorf on Mar 13, 2008 11:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

huge props to LMR

by jjreicher on Mar 13, 2008 8:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

"DON'T CALL IT A COMEBACK...

"I been here for YEARS
Rockin' my PEERS, puttin' suckas in fear
Makin the tears rain down like a monSOON
Listen to the bass go BOOM
EXPLOSION... overpowerin'
Over the competition, I'm towerin'
Wreckin' shop, when I drop
These lyrics that'll make you call the COPS
Don't you dare STARE, you betta MOVE
Don't ever compare
Me to the rest that'll all get sliced and diced
Competition's payin' the PRICE

I'm gonna knock you out--
Mama said knock you out--
Mama said knock you out--
Mama said knock you out--"

Sorry, I see a beatdown like that, and LL just comes to mind instantly.

As you were.

"In this program your passion bucket must be full to play SC." -- CRN, to Dan Patrick, 1/2008

by Meriones on Mar 13, 2008 9:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

M, M, M, (shaking head)

You see a symphony of athleticism, a grand opera of strategic domination, a pure ballet of a beating, and you are inspired to think of rap?!?

You need to do the following. Immediately take a shower, clean ever part of your body (and the orifices more than once, put on clean clothes, hit the library and immerse yourself in classical music. Try "Ride of the Valkyries" for starters. Listen to the Second Brandenburg Concerto. Find "Presentation of the Rose" on You Tube (from "Der Rosenkavalier.")

You owe it to yourself to purge all this gangster (it's spelled "gangster," not "gangsta") business from your mind and soul before the forces of good take on the forces of thuggery. Sheesh! Or you can invite Suge Knight over and watch the game with him between drive-by shootings.

by Fox 71 on Mar 13, 2008 11:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Next thing you know

M will be wanting us to recruit Lil Romeo away from sc.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Mar 14, 2008 5:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

UCLA recruits walk-ons?

;-)

"In this program your passion bucket must be full to play SC." -- CRN, to Dan Patrick, 1/2008

by Meriones on Mar 14, 2008 10:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fox -- if and WHEN we win Banner 12...

... I assure you that Haydn's "Creation" will be filling my brain.

"The won...der of... HIS works... displays the firmaMENT. Displays the firmaMENT. Displays the firmaMENT."

M
1st Tenor, UCLA University Chorus
1994, 1997.

:-)

"In this program your passion bucket must be full to play SC." -- CRN, to Dan Patrick, 1/2008

by Meriones on Mar 14, 2008 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And Fox, my friend, to add to my geekness...

... just thought I'd add the following note:

Semi-Finalist, Rotary Club International, Orange County HS Singer of the Year Competition at UCI, 1988-90 (semi-classical/ musical theatre division)

UCLA University Chorus, 1st Tenor
1993-94, 1996-97.

Cantor, [undisclosed L.A. area] Catholic Church
2001-03.

Granted, no professional experience (and I certainly and humbly defer to your superior knowledge of classical choral and operatic works), but I can hold my own. :-)

"In this program your passion bucket must be full to play SC." -- CRN, to Dan Patrick, 1/2008

by Meriones on Mar 14, 2008 10:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I only caught a couple minutes

of the second half. Too much work to do at the end of the quarter and I'll be missing tomorrow's (and probably Saturday's) game as well. I liked that we played our bench pretty extensively, although most of that was because Cal, despite their bluster and outrage, was a complete no show. Hopefully we keep up the heavy substitution pattern. 30 minutes for our starters is a good number. I'd prefer about 25, but Coach Howland knows what he's doing. The MOST IMPORTANT thing out of this weekend is to go into the tournament HEALTHY. Getting a win over SUC but taking on two more concussions or other assorted "unintentional" injuries is NOT worth it.

by Tydides on Mar 13, 2008 9:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Stanford took down the Standard, 75-64

Looks like Sunday is going to be quite interesting for the Pac-10, as Arizona, ASU, and Oregon all had chances to solidify a spot in the tournament. Instead, they all get to ride the bubble for a couple more days.IMO, Oregon slides off, ASU has a fair shot but must hope for no further upsets in the remaining conference tournaments, and Arizona is likely in, getting some consideration for their losses w/o Bayless and Wise, and becoming the first losing Pac-10 team to ever make the NCAA's.

by bruinhoo on Mar 13, 2008 11:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

RPI and SOS not withstanding ...

Don't see how the NCAA committee can justify a UofA selection over either ASU or the Ducks. Both teams swept UofA head-to-head in the regular season and both teams had better conference records. Injuries? All teams suffer injuries during the season and have to play through them. That's part of the game. And now, even when by all accounts the 'Cats are healthy, this bad loss to Stanford has got to seal the deal. So, unless the committee selects seven PAC-10 teams, UofA should, by rights, be NIT bound.

by snorkeldorf on Mar 13, 2008 11:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

However,

They did have a better non-conference schedule

CG (Signholder #18)

by lil eg not cs on Mar 14, 2008 2:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Howland is My Homeboy

anyone know where I can find that shirt again?

100andcounting

by dkao1 on Mar 14, 2008 12:35 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Don't know if they are still being sold, but

http://www.howlandismyhomeboy.com/

by Menelaus on Mar 14, 2008 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The East Coast time zone finally worked for me

I arrived home from work just in time for tip-off.

A great, buzzer-to-buzzer effort from the team. Hopefully, the guys will put the remaining games on ice early, to get the bench involved. The allows for more rest, and invaluable game time experience.

LMR's play was insipring. The effort and energy was a welcome sight to behold. JS broke out of his slump at a great time.

Although many have said that today's game doesn't have much weight, as a Bruin, any competition against south central is meaningful. Win this one, get into the final game and put on a exhibition for a national audience. remove all doubt that UCLA deserves not just a #1 seed, but THE #1 seed.

Bob O. (Signholder #3)

by TuneMan7 on Mar 14, 2008 6:30 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Central Time Zone

It is nice to not have to stay up until after midnight to see the end of a game.

Got home from work, had time to exercise, and then watch some Bear hunting.

by mizzou on Mar 14, 2008 8:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I second that

I had to stay up past midnight last week against Stanford. Yesterday, I was able to get home in time for the second half.

by bruinbabe2000 on Mar 14, 2008 8:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was at Staples yesterday

Since this was a "neutral" court (heaviest representation was from the two local schools) and no student sections, there was a dirge in coordinated cheering going on. There was only one large, coherent chant...

...and no, not an 8-clap; there were a few but with only modest participation, our chants in the middle of "Cal's" fight song were probably louder...

...no no, it was when the crowd spontaneously started chanting "LOREN-ZO-MA-TA"!!!

Only 14 mins? Who cares! When the Player of the Year in the toughest conference in America sits down early with foul trouble, what a great thing it is to be able to bring in a senior leader, a man who has proven himself to be the epitome of what it means to be a bruin under Coach Howland. And nice that we have a fan base that recognizes it. Best moment of the day by a longshot.

We are the Mighty Bruins,
The number one seed in the West,
We'll be hanging banner twelve,
We'll conquer all the rest!!!

(Okay, that might be premature, but I'm really really really looking forward to our team fighting through the tournament! GO BRUINS!!!)

by haywood nighttrain on Mar 14, 2008 1:19 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs