WKY pre preview

by boston bruin on Mar 23, 2008 4:51 PM PDT

I am sure that Bruinhoo will once again educate us on UCLA's next opponent, but I thought I would corral some information on the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. First, I was sad to see USD not advance - that would have been a random adn fun west coast game, and by sight alone I liked our chances better againt the Toreros. So it goes.

Kenpom has Western Kentucky rated at #63 (for comparisons, Davidson is #33, Villanova is #47, West Virginia is #19. Their RPI is higher at #39

Notable wins are few - they beat Michigan on November 24 up in cold Alaska, and Nebraska at home on December 5th. Competition during the regular season included a lot of low low rated teams. Losses early in the season included Gonzaga, Tenenesee, and Southern Illinois.

They have only lost once since Dec. 29 (South Alabama) and won all three games of their tourney before beating Drake and USD.

Their star player is Courtney Lee, who will likely get a lot of press before the game. Here's one read about him. http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Courtney-Lee-471/

I leave to others to compare the teams. I only say now based on the tourney that they have a star player and they are battle tested, having played in two close games. Go Bruins!

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of BruinsNation's (BN) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of BN's editors.

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I look forward to this game.

You don't see a #1 face off against a double digit opponent this late in the tournament. This opponent is to be respected and not underestimated. I watched that Drake game and these guys can put points up on the board and shoot 3s. Athletic. Courtney Lee is very very good. Should be a fun game.

CBH: 3 straight PAC-10 titles, most since CJW!

by Lakers Bruins Fanatic on Mar 24, 2008 6:05 AM PDT reply actions

I don't want to jinx our team, but

the record books are not -- repeat, not -- going to have UCLA losing to Western Kentucky in the sweet 16.

First, could you imagine Lavin gloating on national TV saying: See, I told you so...you think S16 wins are easy?

Second, Howland will have our team ready, with 4 days to watch game films. And I'm sure he will be telling A-Moute: You job is to defend and rebound, period. Repeat after me, defend and rebound, period.

Third, Shipp is not going to have another 0-point game. And Westbrook is not going to be shut down most of the game like he was versus aTm.

Sure, anything can happen, but realistically Western Kentuck is in an unenviable position of being the next UCLA opponent, a hungry one with something to prove.

I see our bench getting some playing time towards the end of this game.

by bluegold on Mar 24, 2008 7:06 AM PDT reply actions

Date? Time?

Do we know yet what day this game will be played and what time?

Just geographically alone, I'm glad we got WKU vs San Diego. SD to Phoenix is a very easy trip for them and this way we shouold have more of a home game crowd.

by Free the 16 on Mar 24, 2008 10:02 AM PDT reply actions

Thursday night - 9:40 EDT

It is the second Phoenix game of Thursday night, tipping off about 30 minutes after the Xavier/West Virginia game starting at 7:10 eastern (4:10 pacific).

by bruinhoo on Mar 24, 2008 10:11 AM PDT up reply actions

Out of town...

Man, my husband and son will be in New York for this game! Anyone know where they might see it (they will be in Manhattan.)

by ktbruin on Mar 24, 2008 10:30 AM PDT up reply actions

Yes!

On Thursday Bruins in NY will get together at The Ship of Fools at 1590 2nd Avenue (between 82nd and 83rd Streets). Turnouts are great, they will have a ball!

by tasser10 on Mar 25, 2008 12:01 PM PDT up reply actions

Darn...

I was hoping for an earlier tip-off. I'll be in Frankfurt, and I think that makes it a 2:40 am tip, on Friday - yikes. Then on Saturday it will be anywhere from 11pm to around 3am Sunday for the tip. Time to go buy that sling box tonight and use the DVR so I can watch them first thing in the morning from the hotel. I have a feeling I'll be waking up the folks in the adjoining rooms if UCLA continues to advance and play tight games.

by cabz on Mar 24, 2008 12:33 PM PDT up reply actions