Center Court: Ben Ball (California) Open Thread
by Nestor on Feb 28, 2009 5:00 PM PST
in Basketball
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PrintUCLA Bruins at California Golden Bears, Feb 28, 2009 6:00 PM PST
Here we go.
We have talked so much about being in the right mindset to pull out tough games on the road. Well tonight if our guys want to make a statement on national tv, they will have to do it by following the example of this guy:
Photo Credit: Matt Brown/The OC Register
They will have to bring it from start to finish and match the passion and intensity of an opponed fired up by a rowdy home crowd. They will have to do by showing the same intensity, hustle and tenacity PAA has brought to every game as a Ben Ball warrior.
If you want to get caught and read up on all of our notes, commentary, thoughts leading up to the biggest home game of the year check out our game page here.
The tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 pm PST. It will be broadcast on WWL. You can track it via the official site.
Fire away.
GO BRUINS.
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At work tonight
I’ll get a minute here and there between patients, so I’ll be living on all your updates. Thanks ahead of time!
GO BRUINS!!
greg in denver - UCLA guy for life
It doesn’t look like Bob Knight likes Digger Phelps very much.
by chenalex on Feb 28, 2009 5:22 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Watched Gameday this morning
and because Bobby and Jay are doing the game, only Hubert and Digger could pick the winner. Who do you think those 2 went with? Hubert picked Arizona last year at UCLA and we won by 22, so let’s hope he’s VERY wrong again!
GO BRUINS!!!
Baseball lost 5-1
Cole had another good start, but the Baylor pitcher was phenomenal and UCLA errors did them in again.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 28, 2009 5:37 PM PST reply actions
Yes
I don’t have Setanta though so it’ll be an online stream for me.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 28, 2009 5:53 PM PST up reply actions
Justin.tv usually has a couple streams
If not, myp2p.eu is good too.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 28, 2009 5:55 PM PST up reply actions
They probably do
but I don’t get it.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 28, 2009 5:57 PM PST up reply actions
OT question for someone involved w/The Den
I am curious as to what the breakdown between partial and full student ticket plans was this year – could be helpful for something that I am working on – if anyone knows or has a rough idea of the distribution, could you post it?
Just saw Wazzu highlights
I know it was mentioned in the previous thread – but TR was on fire once again – what a shot. Hopefully, UW hits the WSU we’ve all been seeing lately.
Got to have UW drop one to WSU
And we need to win out to split the title, although right now, our boys need to focus on bearing down, getting their game together, so that, somehow, someway, maybe they can put together a 6 game winning streak in March.
Rochestie caught fire late
but he was 1-3 on his first 3 free throws and missed some shots late in regulation. When they needed it though, he was there with the big shot.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 28, 2009 5:56 PM PST up reply actions
For This,
I’m going to try and be a little calmer and more patient.
I have butterflies.
Love My Bruins
I'm hoping we get a blow out
Win. I don’t know if my heart can handle a close game.
Okay, game time
which means it is time for me to leave the thread. LET’S GO!!!!
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Feb 28, 2009 6:00 PM PST reply actions
Funny
they just talk about how hard it is to defend Cal, but don’t mention that we DEMOLISHED them last time we played. Let’s hope for more of the same!!!
It's early
But if it gets close, I may have to step away. Stress is bad for the baby.
by bruinbabe2000 on Feb 28, 2009 6:06 PM PST up reply actions
No
We wanted to wait to tell until we went to the doctor.
by bruinbabe2000 on Feb 28, 2009 6:16 PM PST up reply actions
Nobody for the rebound
Did we forget how to rebound?
Dragovic does not rebound at all on offensive end
We only got Aboya down low
by trainwreck84 on Feb 28, 2009 6:17 PM PST up reply actions
Are they wearing
3d glasses out there that they’re airballing
He Just Made
a complete fool of himself there.
Good. DG is an ex-hockey player…there’s no doubt that he’s tough.
Love My Bruins
able to play
doesn’t always mean going to play. he might be available only in an emergency like foul trouble
by bucknellbruin on Feb 28, 2009 6:28 PM PST up reply actions
oh ok
that makes me feel a little better lol
by bucknellbruin on Feb 28, 2009 6:29 PM PST up reply actions
I used to have some respect for Knight ...
but he’s really got an anti-UCLA agenda. He’s said absolutely nothing positive about the Bruins while going ga-ga over the Bears.
ummm
he said a few minutes ago that DC has the best shot on the move of anyone in the country….
i’d call that a compliment
by bucknellbruin on Feb 28, 2009 6:30 PM PST up reply actions
i understand your issue though
the thing is that Cal is hustling more and doing the little things, which is exactly what Knight is talking about
that’s the kind of thing he’d notice, being a coach for so long
by bucknellbruin on Feb 28, 2009 6:32 PM PST up reply actions
I don't mind
Most people around the country know nothing about Cal, so it’s good for us to talk up other Pac-10 teams.
Suffering from stomach virus
per Brian Dohn, but nonetheless if he isn’t playing well CBH should pull him
Our rebounding sucks
because our power forward cannot rebound.
We only get rebounding from the center position.
Especially on offense
where we got four guys just standing around the perimeter.
by trainwreck84 on Feb 28, 2009 6:33 PM PST up reply actions
we're getting killed on the interior game
which is cal’s weakness i thought
Shooting is terrible right now
We’re lucky we’re only down by five
Cal's D
is not that good, we are making silly mistakes
by UCLA Championships Made Here on Feb 28, 2009 6:37 PM PST reply actions
Argh
Losing too many boards, missing bunnies and losing control of the ball out of bounds.
Hustle
Cal is out hustling us, when you do that, good things happen for the aggressive team
by UCLA Championships Made Here on Feb 28, 2009 6:38 PM PST reply actions
Please jebus
Let us get out of the half down by single digits
if not the only reason
would be because he made the shot
by bucknellbruin on Feb 28, 2009 6:42 PM PST up reply actions
it shouldn't
but the refs might take it into account
by bucknellbruin on Feb 28, 2009 6:44 PM PST up reply actions
he definitely did
but might have rescinded the call after the shot went in
by bucknellbruin on Feb 28, 2009 6:43 PM PST up reply actions
That better be an intentional foul
STFU Bob Knight.
but he's right...
he said it was intentional, but because he made the shot it probably wouldn’t be called one
by bucknellbruin on Feb 28, 2009 6:43 PM PST up reply actions
Yeah, he was exactly right.
I don’t love the guy, but he knows this game, and he gives Pigger a hard time.
Love My Bruins
he signaled Intentional
why would that change just because he made the shot? These refs are a bunch of clowns.
apparently he didn't
cuz it was intentional
by bucknellbruin on Feb 28, 2009 6:45 PM PST up reply actions
Jerime
cheats too much on defense and is not controlling the offense.
by UCLA Championships Made Here on Feb 28, 2009 6:42 PM PST reply actions
IF? We need to make them pay
and turn this game in our favor.
JKeefe
is he available today?
by UCLA Championships Made Here on Feb 28, 2009 6:44 PM PST reply actions
It's called the offensive flop
perfected by Manu Ginobili
by UCLA Championships Made Here on Feb 28, 2009 6:47 PM PST reply actions
wasn't vlade the defensive flop?
not so much on offense iirc
by bucknellbruin on Feb 28, 2009 6:48 PM PST up reply actions
At Pauley
we caused the turnovers, I think Cal is just careless today
by UCLA Championships Made Here on Feb 28, 2009 6:49 PM PST reply actions
Damn
Well, but still being down 2 after the bad shooting start is ok. I’ll take it. Let’s come out on FIRE in the 2nd. GO BRUINS!!!
They outrebounded us by 6, and outshot us 52% to 40%
And we’re down 2.
Hopefuuly shooting and d
Will improve in the second half
Ugh
we got a lucky call with the intentional foul and we’re not capitalizing on their sloppy play. Just ugh
DC is getting outplayed by another point guard
PAA and JS look like they’ve stepped up in play and leadership. We will only win this game and go as far as DC takes us.
by UCLA Championships Made Here on Feb 28, 2009 6:53 PM PST reply actions
im not liking
randle burning us so easily on defense, we need to get a body in front of him. im not digging collisson getting burned on the drives
Nobody is focusing on why there are intentional fouls ...
pulling a guy down like that when he’s going in for a layup is extremely dangerous.
Intentional = Intentional and context doesn't matter
do it on purpose like that and it is 2 shots and the ball back.
You are right — someone can get hurt
sjh
I don't know
I think you’re seeing the foul with UCLA colored glasses here.
If it were a hard pull no way ND would have gotten that shot down so easily, and landed on his feet ready to run. If it’s a light pull it doesn’t deserve a 7 point play.
Exactly!
He was in the air…another commentator spoke about this during a game last week. It’s dangerous, because the “foulee” is hardly ever able to come down on his feet.
Love My Bruins
66
I was expecting you tell to remind us about our poor free throw shooting, yikes 1/6 and some air balls and clankers
by UCLA Championships Made Here on Feb 28, 2009 6:56 PM PST up reply actions
hubert davis is such a fan of every team we play
zona- oh hill and budinger bla bla
cal- randal and chirstopher
It'd be nice
If we can shut up Hubert for once. The problem is we have laid egg almost every big game on national TV. Tonight except for PAA no one else is playing consistent defense.
We've played better on CBS than ESPN
thankfully, the tourney is on CBS
by UCLA Championships Made Here on Feb 28, 2009 6:59 PM PST reply actions
Yikes.
OK, my big UCLA flag wasn’t out because…believe it or not..it’s been SNOWING here all day and I didn’t put it out early. So, it’s out now.
(Also, molten choclate cakes.)
Love My Bruins
LOL.
Kansas, and this is absolutely ridiculous. Local trout season opened today, and I was supposed to have fresh grilled trout. My hubs was out there in snow gear, boots, and ski goggles…fishing.
Love My Bruins
Of our 34 shots, 11 have been 3's
You know what Donny Mac says, that’s too much outside shooting.
Of the 11, we’ve only made 3.
We haven’t been much better inside, blowing several lay ups.
sjh
Digger just called the game for Cal ...
If I’m not mistaken, the entire Gameday crew this morning picked Cal to.
i think it was only hubie and digger
kinght and bilas didn’t pick cause they were calling the game.. have a feeling at least one of them
would have picked us, but who knows
They are outshooting us 50-38%
We’ve been giving up that % all year, so we need to shoot better.
sjh
With USC's loss, Oregon State currently is in line for a 1st round P10 tourney bye
Something either very right, or very wrong with that.
ps. You heard about their coach’s brother-in-law… ;)
the focus has been much higher these first few minutes
we need more of this
Like many games this year
Every time I think we are turning it on and looking to go up big, the other team comes right back. LET’S GO BRUINS!!!
JH
I guess if he leaves he just might get drafted in the first round. But I have to say … I am not seeing it. I hope JH comes right back in this game or in the future proving me wrong. But to date … I wish I had seen a little more focus from him. I think in contrast I sense lot more energy and determination from ML at the 2g spot.
Perhaps we will see it from JH if he sticks around and plays the point … but in today’s college hoop world, I am not going to hold my breath. Very disappointing if this is how he leaves UCLA.
Long ago you convinced me he'd go because the NBA drafts potential not accomplishment
he’s not ready to go
sjh
I stil think he'd go high
It’d just be disappointing for us
If he is passive against college players
imagine him against grown men in the NBA
by UCLA Championships Made Here on Feb 28, 2009 7:22 PM PST up reply actions
reminds me in a way of Ariza
in that, whatever their potential, they did not play at a lever that suggested that they were worthy of a high draft pick while at UCLA (of course, Ariza fell out of the 1st round entirely).
Yep
I will go ahead and say it. If he leaves this year … I am not going to remember him as a “Ben Ball warrior.” He hasn’t been one …. not too date … not in tough games on the road.
The sad thing is that
the kind of passive attitude makes me wonder if he’s just waiting for the draft and not even really considering staying at ucla
man jrue just needs to take it stronger
i know he was kinda side stepping through traffic, but it still wasnt a strong take
O.A.
This is the worst play ever
for 2 teams tied for 2nd in a conference
Seriously
I knew someone was gonna move in before it even happened
pretty sure he had been there
since randle started his drive
by bucknellbruin on Feb 28, 2009 7:27 PM PST up reply actions
Bilas is correct
we are waiting for the ball to come to us, instead of getting rebound. Very strange for a CBH team. Hustle, defense, and DC will win this for us
by UCLA Championships Made Here on Feb 28, 2009 7:27 PM PST reply actions
too many...
but seriously, probably double digits or close
by bucknellbruin on Feb 28, 2009 7:28 PM PST up reply actions
keefe
needs to make a be aggressive under the hoop and box out, im hoping he can bring the intensity back up the rebounding is poor
O.A.
Who would have thought Cal would be in this position to play
for 2nd place in the PAC-10? They lost 2 NBA players last year
by UCLA Championships Made Here on Feb 28, 2009 7:29 PM PST reply actions
holiday looks way to casual
i don’t see the westbrook comparison athletically right now, he’s definitely not playing very explosively
we are getting killed on the boards and shooting 38% and are still in the game
slight improvement and we can win
sjh
Guard the 3 point shot
I think Cal is looking to go on a barrage. If we play good D, we can open up the lead.
by UCLA Championships Made Here on Feb 28, 2009 7:39 PM PST reply actions
Man
This season is testing my blood pressure…and how well I can hold my liquor! Does this team drive anyone else to drink!? LOL!
its not like its just this season.. lot of close calls last year
decided not to watch every game from a bar this year to save myself
speaking of "lets go!"
i actually got invited to a mavs game last night and watched russell drop 31 on the mavs, he sent the game into OT witha huge 3 it was awesome, but the thunder lost.
And btw, american airlines is like a circus, i felt like i was watching the flint tropics with all the gimmicky stuff going on
O.A.
Even though he is a Dookie, I think Bilas respects the Bruins program
He was at the preseason banquet last year and raved about CBH and DC
by UCLA Championships Made Here on Feb 28, 2009 7:41 PM PST reply actions
Some play Pendergraph made
this time they got it right, blocking foul
by UCLA Championships Made Here on Feb 28, 2009 7:42 PM PST reply actions
yeah i agree somewhat
probably the right call
by bucknellbruin on Feb 28, 2009 7:45 PM PST up reply actions
Don't get conservative on offense
by UCLA Championships Made Here on Feb 28, 2009 7:47 PM PST reply actions
ND is going to kill me! Damn.
that’s what I wrote about this week. I want DG and then ND hits some 3’s and then shit d or a stupid turnover.
He’s killing me. I’m too old for this.
sjh
Collison's line right now:
18 points, 4 rebs, 7 assists
We know to run inbound screens for DC
so he can get the ball
by UCLA Championships Made Here on Feb 28, 2009 7:58 PM PST reply actions
I'm surprised Cal didn't foul
glad they didn’t, go DC!
by UCLA Championships Made Here on Feb 28, 2009 8:01 PM PST reply actions
and ship got it going getting that into the fornt court and DC
just took it to the hole for a signature floater, I’m so happy he’s playing liek this on National TV
O.A.
wow they are still bringing up the 7 point play
so many other things have happened
Randle makes a three from the corner ....
Bruins up 3 with 16 seconds to go … need to take care of the ball and make our FTs.
We have the worst inbound plays in the PAC-10
we don’t run screens, etc.
by UCLA Championships Made Here on Feb 28, 2009 8:05 PM PST reply actions
FUCK U digger
Eat your words you piece of shit
My Papa John's
Cheesesticks were just delivered so I had to pause and just saw the end. WHOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Eat that Digger and Hubert! GO BRUINS!!!
Normally I don't...
But I would like to hear him explain why he always picks against UCLA and why he is always wrong….
does anyone know what made DC's tounge so blue
Maybe he actually has true blue running through his veins
O.A.
2 wins in a row, win 2 more next weekend
win 3 in a row in PAC-10 Tourney, 6 straight in the NCAA Tourney.
That makes 13 wins in a row…we can do it!
Go Bruins!
by UCLA Championships Made Here on Feb 28, 2009 8:09 PM PST reply actions
Now, if we take care of our home court ...
and the Cougs take out the Huskies, we still have a shot at the conference title. Cougs are making one last run at the NCAA tournament.
Much better D in second half
and we turned the rebounding disadvantage around and outrebounded them
sjh
Good game, BN
I had to leave this in your hands so as to not jinx things. Thanks for taking care of things.
Whew.
I have to give a lot of love to DC tonight…he had a “refuse to lose” thing going. Plus, at one point, he was channeling RW and screaming at his young warriors a bit.
And, of course, PAA is the toughest man on the planet.
Love My Bruins
hey i've meant to ask
any suggestions for things to do in Houston? I’m going down with a few pledge brothers this upcoming weekend before spring break…we’re thinking about the rodeo hah
O.A.
They're Pretty Special
I do them in brioche pans, so they’re lovely little chocolate mountains with “lava” inside.
Great with vanilla ice cream and a little ganache on top…
Love My Bruins
We were outrebounded and outshot
But a Pac-10 road win is always tough to come by. I’ll take it, but we still have work to do and we can’t take the Oregon schools lightly, especially a disciplined OSU team.
Not sure what the exact stats ended up being, but we were definately outrebounded
But we got them when they counted, I guess.
Now don't let up against the Oregon schools
I’d love a share of the P10 but just worry about the games you can control.
Yeah, OSU can be dangerous
and Oregon beat Stanford so we can’t take them lightly
OSU runs that funky zone D
And they’ve won their share of games.
Beavers could well end up finishing 9-9 in conference play
A win in Eugene and at the Figuroa Annex are reasonably possible.
Hey, you can't just post without any basketball related content for a McLeaner
You have to have something in there
This weekend was huge
but UCLA still starting out a bit sloppy. If they play like this in the tourney I don’t know if we’ll be able to pull out. We have to start out strong.
Starters played a heck of a lot tonight
Jrue was the only one logging under 34 minutes. Would like to see Lee and Gordin get more minutes, but can’t really complain given the result.
Jrue
What does everyone think about him leaving? I mean, it seems obvious that he could use more college experience but if NBA scouts see potential he might be out.
I'm a bit worried that Jrue is a bit lackadasical
because he’s just cruising until the draft. No evidence, just worry.
Yeah
I mean we can’t extrapolate feelings, but I think at this point it’s hurting his draft considering he’s a lottery pick. Even if they draft on potential it still hurts.
On the other hand he’s playing out of position and he really does seem like an assist / pass kind of guy.
I think his stock will be much higher
if he stays one more year. I have a feeling he will be our superstar next year.
Some players just display themselves that way outwardly
Just because he’s calm on the outside doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a fire inside. He’s a competitor, otherwise he wouldn’t get as far as he has.
It's not the calmness he displays
it’s the mistakes he makes and giving up on defense.
DC
Great to see his heart and confidence back. We didn’t play great but the end was definitely good enough. Good job guys!
Bruins Forever
GU upsets 12 ranked Villanova
25th ranked FSU upsets 13th ranked Clemson
WSU upsets 11th ranked ASU
Oklahoma State upsets 24th ranked Texas
Of course
Yeah we won on a play that happened in the first half. Nothing to do with our second half performance…
But it was a clearly dangerous intentional foul and was actually called correctly.
That also will be conveniently overlooked.
I would actually disagree there
It didn’t change Nikola’s trajectory much and he made the ball, landed on his feet. I would say that it wasn’t a hard pull.
By the rulebook it was a correct call
However, a lot of calls are given depending on “advantage gained” or so, I think a foul call would have sufficed instead of an intentional foul call.
ND could have been seriously injured ...
it was lucky that he was not. That sort of foul must be discouraged in no uncertain terms – it’s just too dangerous.
Surprising stat:
Dragovic with 7 rebounds (6 defensive)
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