SURVIVE and ADVANCE

nervous the whole game...

Even after our D started to stiffen up. One reason was CBS insisted on showing the MSU-Pitt game even as MSU pulled away and the other reason was all the shocking games so far this tourney! Miracle shots in the last seconds are commonplace this year!

I am so proud of our guys and the way they stepped up and finished the job... I just sincerely hope and pray they don't overlook their next opponent because of their seed. It seemed like that happened a little this game and TA&M was ready for our team.

by njbruin on Mar 22, 2008 8:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Major Props to the Aggies

As I said in the other thread, the Aggies played really well. They have nothing to be ashamed about as their play was really good.

They played really good defense and more importantly, they played really good transition defense. Against most of the pac-10, we were able to get the "laser Love" passes (and they knew to expect it), but the Aggies were able to prevent that and were even able to outrebound us in the first half.

Assuming Jordan stays, they'll be a team to watch out for next year.

by karaethon on Mar 22, 2008 8:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Those who talked about Shipp...

(copied from the other thread)

The ones who said he was "useless."

Please check who had the block on the final possession to seal the win.

No, really, please.

Just thought I'd stop by to mention that.

Only one guy said he was useless

Everyone else said that he wasn't providing anything offensively. Shipp got tentative when his shot wasn't falling and made some mistakes. Josh was out of rhythm offensively the whole game. Credit the aTm defense, but I wish Shipp had drove to the basket more to at least get to the foul line and get into a groove.

by UCLA4Life on Mar 22, 2008 9:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Shameful

Shame on whoever said that.

by Rich1996UCLA on Mar 22, 2008 9:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It was me

and I do apologize for saying that, as it was probably undeserved of a very hard worker.

I was just caught up with the emotion of the game, following along post-to-post here on BN.

Again, sorry for the comment, no harm intended :).

by lolwtferic on Mar 22, 2008 9:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

OTOH

It's cool, we were all caught up in the game. I'm sure all Bruins tonight found someone to curse at. I actually have more than one person.

by Rich1996UCLA on Mar 22, 2008 9:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree that Shipp is invaluable, but ...

that being said, he does have a scoring role on this team, and he does need to step it up. He played a great defensive game, but a weakness is a weakness and needs to be addressed.

by dokein on Mar 22, 2008 9:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would LOVE more offense from Shipp

and I was praying that some of his wide open 3's would go down. That said, I prefer Shipp as he is now from the more offensively aggressive Shipp that often shot too early in the shotclock, overcommitted inside and lost the ball or picked up an offensive foul.

He has the talent to score and keep himself under control, but it's a fine line. His shots today at least were good ones, and I don't mind him taking them.

by Tydides on Mar 22, 2008 9:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

double-edged sword

Shipp was too tentative offensively, which I didn't like. He was a little indecisive on some possessions and they led to turnovers or poor shots. He missed a few open jumpers, but overall I would like Shipp to be a little more aggressive offensively. He's one of the best free-throw shooters on the team and if he can drive to the basket and draw some fouls, get to the line, and knock down some free-throws, maybe he'll get into some rhythm. Right now I'm not sure what he wants to do offensively, and it's hurting his decision-making offensively.

by UCLA4Life on Mar 22, 2008 9:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What I'd like

Is that if we are trying to get him to drive, then we're going to have to set more and better screens for him on the perimeter. Josh can't get all the way inside because he doesn't have the explosive first step, so he's going to need a screen from our bigs. It would also help a LOT if he could step behind that screen and jack up a 3 because that would make the defenders commit to him on the perimeter and free either him or the screener up on the roll.

by Tydides on Mar 22, 2008 9:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Basically the Afflalo plays

I must say I am surprised to not have seen the double screens down low for Shipp curling to the corner for a jumper like we did with Arron.

by UCLA4Life on Mar 22, 2008 9:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I dunno

that setting more and better screens is the problem. He doesn't really rub his man off the screens that well, and is certainly nowhere near Afflalo's level at mastering that skill to free himself up. Plus, Shipp isn't that great a shooter coming off screens in general; he's more a set shooter. I think that's part of the reason he's having so much difficulty, he wasn't the focal point of our perimeter game in prior years and now he is, and he just doesn't seem to be mastering using screens for good catch-and-shoot opportunities.

Just watch how many screens get set for him on the baseline just like AA was and he runs very low, often way out of bounds, rather than close to the screener to wipe his man out and free him up for the shot. Hopefully he can find a way to make something drop soon; however much he contributes defensively is not as meaningful as what he usually contributes on offense. We need him to find that stroke, or failing that, find his way by driving to the basket like he used to do.

by ucladj89 on Mar 22, 2008 10:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

that he isn't able to stay as tight to a screen as AA, but he also doesn't have the first step to be able to blow by someone without a shot fake. So if we want to get him inside, then a screen is necessary, because otherwise he gets two steps in and then he has to pick up his dribble.

by Tydides on Mar 22, 2008 10:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Shipp just needs

to take a few steps inside the 3-pt line and drop a couple of deuces. Then he will get his rhythm back and let the rain begin.

by 90Bruin on Mar 22, 2008 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why be defensive?

If Josh Shipp wasn't useless tonight, then no player has ever been useless. He's been a disappointment the whole year and he was a massive disappointment this evening.

Defend him if you all would like. Truth hurts...He's been terrible for a month.

by Sweetbreads Bailey on Mar 22, 2008 9:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not really being defensive....

just staying loyal to the team.

Suppose Shipp, or someone who personally knows him, reads BN. I'd rather have him know that students, alumni, and fans are supporting him. As opposed to knocking on him.

If he's out there trying, then that's all we as fans can ask from him.

by Rich1996UCLA on Mar 22, 2008 9:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Shipp needs to be Shipp

I'd like to see him just stop worrying about the trey so much. Rememeber the old Josh Shipp. As a freshman, he just seemed to be around loose balls, getting alot of putbacks and so called "junk" baskets. We had other three point guys to go to, so he focused on all the other things. He's a great decision maker when driving, especially taking his guy baseline. No question that he's a vital cog in our system , whether its on defense or offense. He still gets alot of rebounds, boxes out well plays above average D, and is a very good free throw shooter. I wouldn't trade him for the world.

by popopapa on Mar 22, 2008 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just like that Indiana game and Gonzaga game.

Un-frickin-believable. I dunno if there's ever been a team that has had this many nailbiters and comabacks on their reel.

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

by Lakers Bruins Fanatic on Mar 22, 2008 9:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Luc needs the rest

He started the game off a little too excited and missed 2 layups, an open jumper, and had like 2 turnovers. He played tentatively on offense the rest of the way but was big defensively. Yes, Love got the blocks, but Luc got 8 big rebounds and neutralized Davis on the boards.

by UCLA4Life on Mar 22, 2008 9:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

turnovers

I'm positive he had at least 4 turnovers (2 travel, 2 charge), possibly more. He was really off tonight .

by ranelar on Mar 22, 2008 9:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

questionable calls

one travel was a bad call, as he was bodied by the defender on the low block. The one charge, Howland was livid about. Certainly looked like the defender jumped out there late.

by popopapa on Mar 22, 2008 10:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

espn

recap says he had 8 turnovers, boxscore says he had 6.

by ranelar on Mar 22, 2008 10:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It was only fitting

that our resident dunker and passion machine Russell Westbrook topped off the end of the game with one of his famous power dunks and subsequent roar of victory.

This whole game was a Hollywood movie with a Hollywood ending.

by Steven on Mar 22, 2008 9:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I hope he wakes up tomorrow still

retaining his voice the way he screamed. That was such a primal outburst to relieve his emotions.

by Htse005 on Mar 22, 2008 9:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Imagine

if that was the game winning shot/dunk. I'd would died on the spot.

by Rich1996UCLA on Mar 22, 2008 9:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow. Just wow.

Hard to type, my fingers are shaking so much. Love was unbelievable, Collison sick, and the team D just incredible down the stretch. A & M was well coached and had players-they were a supercharged version of Washington State. Tough game, a game where we played poorly and A & M forced a lot of our poor play-yet we found a way to win. It's just crazy. And then to hear Lavin talking about how UCLA under Howland believes it is never out of any game, and singing hosannahs to the Bruins tenacity and ability to win whatever the circumstances. Beautiful.

by ucladj89 on Mar 22, 2008 9:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

That it came from Lavin

does not surprise me, nor would I take it either after his malaise because by now, he knows he didn't have it to coach UCLA except to have tried hard in pretending he did. So, seeing UCLA's grittiness and its sheer will to prevail in so many close games, which it has, his own conscience finally tells him that it's time to admit his own undeniable shortcomings by praising his former team.

We survive him and his words don't mean much to me, one way or the other.

by Htse005 on Mar 22, 2008 9:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think

a lot of the higher seeds have trouble in the 2nd round every year---and look at the upsets today. Duke, Pitt.

I repeat myself, but, for those who wanted to look past this game...LISTEN TO NESTOR--ONE game at a time, please.

We knew this team was dangerous. They beat K-State up and gave Kansas a big scare in their conference tourney. They brought it, and they were never intimidated.

Hats off to the Aggies--TOUGH team.

Love My Bruins

by Bruingirl83 on Mar 22, 2008 9:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

who wouldve thought

that we d win a game when westbrook had no halfcourt offense, shipp had zero points and luuuuuc had two points. its a tribute to the D.

Collison and Love, what a game. Shipp, thanks for the block.

by 8994 on Mar 22, 2008 9:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Not to sound like a poor winner

But anybody wanna meet me at Jay Bilas' hotel suite with some plastic sheeting? I'll bring the duct tape. What a Bruin-hating tool that guy is!

Whatever's left over we'll use on the ref with the short white hair. Not sure what game he was watching, but it sure wasn't this one.

Glad that's over. On to Phoenix.

The Mad Bruin

by lostnacfgop on Mar 22, 2008 9:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Umm, I have to disagree with you there...

The Commentator Formerly Known as Bias has been praising KLove for months. He called DC the "best point guard in the country" and has said RW is the real deal.

by SpaceMonkey on Mar 22, 2008 9:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not a Bilas Fan

But he was calling some things right.

I thought many of his comments were insightful.

I think the announcers did a good job.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Mar 22, 2008 9:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

True

But I would have loved to have had Gus Johnson. Can you imagine what he would have done?

by bruinbabe2000 on Mar 22, 2008 9:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gus is the man

If Gus called the last 2 minutes, he would have exploded and screamed louder than Westbrook.

by Dienekes on Mar 22, 2008 9:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bilas...

wasn't bad in my opinion. Enberg (sp?) has always been one of my fav's; even tempered.

Didn't Enberg call UCLA games way back?

by Rich1996UCLA on Mar 22, 2008 9:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh my!

yes he did, during their runs in the 70s.

by UCLAMD89 on Mar 22, 2008 10:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He was the voice of the Bruins

in the Wooden years. He was a true blue announcer and it was great to his calls of those great teams and his respect and loyality to the coach. He was also great with the FB teams and thier games and victories over $C. As an old timer his calls bring back good memories.

by LVBruinFan on Mar 22, 2008 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not to mention the greatest Angel Annoucer

of all time. I grew up on Dick Enberg. I can't believe he is still alive.

by Dodger Hater on Mar 22, 2008 10:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

ugh

You are just hearing what you want to hear. Bilas has been pretty fair to the Bruins for a while, and from the little I heard from the game he was calling it pretty straight and bringing up some insightful points.

by njbruin on Mar 22, 2008 10:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

post game interviews on now

here in LA. coach howland, kevin and darren. questions are mostly going to love though.

by freesia39 on Mar 22, 2008 9:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Mega Madnes Package

I broke down and bought it from DirecTV today, I'm glad I did. But games like this will accelerate the amount of gray in my hair.....

Bob O. (Signholder #3)

by TuneMan7 on Mar 22, 2008 9:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

See

...told 'ya.

Love My Bruins

by Bruingirl83 on Mar 22, 2008 9:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Luc

Luc's play was not a surprise. Pretty difficult to get back to 100% after what, 2 wks off?

Good game for him to get back to normal. I predict he'll have a much better game next Thursday.

by Rich1996UCLA on Mar 22, 2008 9:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Try 8 days

inujured friday night against Suc.

by popopapa on Mar 22, 2008 10:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I Will Never Forget

Kevin Love's two blocks -- him walking up the sidelines shouting to the crowd trying to fire up his team mates to come back from behind.

Kevin Love does not want to take off that Bruin uniform.

I love Josh Shipp. I love his block on the last play and to see him trailing the play as RW went in for the shut it down dunk -- with that big smile on his face.

Eat that Plaschke. We love Josh Shipp.

This is a team -- there's some of every player in every victory.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Mar 22, 2008 9:11 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Raise Your Flag a Little Higher for All of Us

But not before you give mad props to your A&M neighbor. They are a hell of a team.

by bruinbabe2000 on Mar 22, 2008 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'll Second THAT

Plaschke, we LOVE josh Shipp, we LOVE that he created that last dramatic play, and we LOVE that big smile on his face.

Love My Bruins

by Bruingirl83 on Mar 22, 2008 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Couldn't Agree More

I strongly disapprove (I'd like to use other terms) of people who knock on Shipp. What happens to sticking by the team thorough good and bad.

by Rich1996UCLA on Mar 22, 2008 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think

the FRONT of the "March..." shirt says, "UCLA believes in WE."

We means the whole team, and that's the way they play. There is no way in hell they could win games like this if they didn't care more about the team than themselves, and if they didn't completely believe in each other. And by God, they all trust Josh and believe in him and so do I.

He created that last play and he obviously didn't do it for himself. He did it for this team.

Way to go, Josh. Couldn't have done it without you.

Love My Bruins

by Bruingirl83 on Mar 22, 2008 9:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The March is a Brotherhood shirts

They are a part of an Adidas campaign for the tourney and all Adidas schools have them.

by mr havercamp on Mar 23, 2008 8:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That

was when I thought we would win it. What passion. The dude is not leaving.

by Dodger Hater on Mar 22, 2008 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Love

What can I say, looked like Kobe w/ them fade aways.

by Rich1996UCLA on Mar 22, 2008 9:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Shipp was solid defensively

But he's got to change up his routine or something to get that sweet shooting stroke back. UCLA might look into getting some plays run for Shipp that were run for Afflalo in order to get him going early.

by UCLA4Life on Mar 22, 2008 9:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

As sweet of a victory this is for all of us

It's more meaningful to 66. He is exiled deep in the heart of Texas, and he can raise his flag a little higher tomorrow.

Let's give the gameball to the old man.

by bruinbabe2000 on Mar 22, 2008 9:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Being that...

66 up there in years, I'm afraid if we gave him the ball, it might bounce off his head.

by Rich1996UCLA on Mar 22, 2008 9:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks!!!

Yes, this game really means a lot to me.

I live in a neighborhood surrounded by Aggies.

I was invited to watch with one of my favorite Aggie neighbors -- but didn't. I knew wouldn't be able to run my rituals and yell my lungs out.

So, I put a picture of my Dad in a recliner next to me -- and we watched, together.

I'm not going to fly the flag, tonight, in deference to the great game A and M played.

But it will fly tomorrow morning, proudly, and HIGH.

A while back, nestor asked for a picture. I'll send one to him, tomorrow.

Good Game, Aggies.

Great win, Bruins!!!

sjh

by Class of 66 on Mar 22, 2008 9:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're a Class Act, 66

I hope your neighbors appreciate how cool you are.

Love My Bruins

by Bruingirl83 on Mar 22, 2008 9:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Of course

you know I was just riding you a bit in the above pose. Raise that flag high and proud.

Regards,
Rich

by Rich1996UCLA on Mar 22, 2008 9:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

On the Aggies

I spent 4 years in school in TX after graduating from UCLA. My class had about 25 Longhorns -kinda like frat guys, pretty fun but could quickly devolve into jerks; maybe 10-15 Baylor Bears - very kind and pleasant, but pretty reserved; and probably about 20 Aggies - and those guys absolutely the best of both worlds: very cool, really nice, really fun. Still keep in touch with more of them than any the others. I really feel for them tonight - I know how passionate the Aggies are about their school and their teams. I'm sure they are really proud of how their team played tonight.

greg in denver

by gbruin on Mar 22, 2008 9:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Aggies Are Special

For the last 5 years, I've spent a week on their campus.

I have never seen a group of more courteous students.

AandM has a deep sense of tradition.

Aggies are extremely loyal.

They are great fans.

I totally agree with your observations.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Mar 22, 2008 9:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Post game thoughts

Man. I haven't watched a UCLA game like that in a VERY long time. I was shaking, sweating, irregular heart beats (I think I'm OK), screaming, jumping, AHHHHHHHHHHH!

It was hard to believe at times we would pull it out, but we are UCLA and we believe in our team and in our coach.

It was good to see Josh Shipp get that last block and RW dunking at the other end. All the emotion from all the players.

This was like watching the Gonzaga game again. Oh man. If only Gus Johnson was calling the game.

On to the Sweet 16!!!

by freesia39 on Mar 22, 2008 9:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm concerned

I'm not concerned with the team, but with some of the comments I saw in the game thread.

I had no TV for this game, naturally, and when I turned on the 'puter after returning from dinner, everything was going sour. Hence, I assumed I was bringing bad mojo and went back to work. (Yes, when you're only semi-retired, you work on pleadings on Saturday night.)

I was glad to see that my sacrifice worked. The absence of my negative mojo sealed the deal.

I did go through the game threads, and Bruins, I hate to say it but there are some really negative people who seem to me to be just band-wagoners. Lots of good things to say when we beat a team of nice guys (MVS)by 41, but in a tough game there are lots of shots at Shipp and Westbrook and even at Howland. None of us, including our team, are or should be immune from criticism, but what I saw was really bad.

I don't see how a band-wagoner advances the ball down the field in the BN. Puffing about how good we are when we destroy an over-matched team is not particularly productive. Wanting to gouge the eyes out of our players and our coach when the game isn't going so well is also not productive.

Go back and read the game thread and see if you can see what I mean. I'm not suggesting there has to be blind support for our team no matter what. But for crying out loud - we are a great team with a great coach, and there is no reason to call for public executions when things don't go right.

sheesh.

End of rant.

by Fox 71 on Mar 22, 2008 9:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm with you

I missed pretty much all but 5 minutes of the game thread, but there was a time when we would have to police game threads for the potshots you are referring to. (There are/is a contingent of Roll/Keefe haters out there). I believe the more level headed of our commentators are able to keep the reactionaries in line, and we would really prefer to not have to return to those days.

Other blogs have noted this blog for its passionate commentary, and I hope we never lose that, but let's make sure we're not going overboard. That's all I ask.

by Tydides on Mar 22, 2008 9:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, I was the bad mojo

I stepped away and reverted to going into the other room. It worked with Stanford, it worked with Cal, why mess with tradition?

Of course, I missed the priceless sight of Mr. BB jumping around like a madman.

by bruinbabe2000 on Mar 22, 2008 9:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not your fault, dear lady..

..I waited until after the game to have my pre-game Guinness. From now on, I will consume it pre-game (and during the game, and during the game, and during the game, and during the game, and during the game) and then have one after the game along with a wee bit o' Jameson. That ritual should absolve all of you all from any responsibilities except sitting back and enjoying the upcoming game(s).

(and, no, I'm no fan of Notre Dame!)

God, it's great to be a Bruin!

by whp68 on Mar 22, 2008 10:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Amen to that...

I was quite bothered too. What happend to BELIEVING in your team?

by Rich1996UCLA on Mar 22, 2008 9:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fox,

The only part of your "rant," (which I don't think it is, actually--I must have a completely different definition of that term than everyone else in the world, particulary Hornsfan), with which I would respectfully disagree is that I DO sort of think we should offer "blind support for our team no matter what"--especially at this stage.

Every one of these guys has shown us his heart and soul this season. I just think that we owe them blind support from here on out.

Just my opinion.

Love My Bruins

by Bruingirl83 on Mar 23, 2008 9:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't disagree, 83

What I meant was that I wasn't asking for people to ignore reality. In the context you suggested, I "blindly support" this team as most of us do.

What really got me, though, were the shots taken at truly heroic figures, especially Shipp. To his vitriolic critics, I ask whether he should have been lifted from the Cal game.

I guess my near-rant was a request that the band-wagoners hang out somewhere else. It's one thing to say in the middle of a game "Oh no, Kevin, you can't do things like that" or "Come on Westy, make those FT's". But that's not what I was commenting on. Some people were demanding that Shipp be pulled, and it sounded like they also wanted his scholarship revoked before his summary execution. I'm not used to seeing that sort of thing in the BN.

I suppose if we win four straight by 40 points a game I won't see those sorts of posts.

by Fox 71 on Mar 23, 2008 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Doubt it

Then they'll wonder why we didn't win by 41.

by Tydides on Mar 23, 2008 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You are absolutely correct on that

and you'll probably notice my own response the the inexplicable, ignorant Shipp-bashing.

We don't disagree, after all. You are just being much more diplomatic with these bashers than I am. (I think the person who called him "useless"--and I realize he has apologized for this--may have triggered some weird venting or something.) But there is another post this morning, to which I have replied, that is rather heart-breaking to me. This blog has come to mean a lot to me, and I just hate seeing someone use it to just attack a great kid like Josh.

I'm realize I'm being repetative here, but I think this team has shown us what they're made of all season long--EACH of them--and we should be thankful to each of them for the amazing ride.

You're a classy guy, Fox.

Love My Bruins

by Bruingirl83 on Mar 23, 2008 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

regarding fans

"A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment."
- John Wooden

I think it is the duty of the fans to behave similarly. Be supportive.

by bruinofthenorth on Mar 23, 2008 10:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Funny thing is...

when (and not if) Shipp has a good game, they'll all be up in arms cheering for him.

by Rich1996UCLA on Mar 23, 2008 11:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

watching the game

in Boston, without internet connection ... pretty annoying that they had the Michigan State game on the whole time instead of the BRUINS .... but I got to see the last 5 minutes (the best part?)

GO BRUINS

by Dante on Mar 22, 2008 9:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

As for overlooking our opponent . . .

I think our Bruins are playing everyone tough. I don't think they were looking past T,A&M because if we were looking past anyone it would have been MVS. I don't think we will look past SD or WK. Everyone is playing our Bruins tough and this year seems different in that we are taking it one game at a time, every opponent is force to be dealt with and our guys are loving every moment. With Duke out of the way, the road looks beautiful, although now I wish Duke was still in it the way they fell to WVU.

As for Duke, anyone wondering if Kyle Singler is thinking what would have been had he joined his "buddy" K-Love with our beloved Bruins?

What a beautiful season it is!

by BillM85Legacy on Mar 22, 2008 9:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I don't know if he would see the floor

Kevin was benched early in the year because he couldn't play defense. He adjusted and learned faster than I thought was possible. Unless Singler showed a similar commitment, I don't think he would see much playing time.

by Tydides on Mar 22, 2008 9:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Singler

I was thinking that as I watched both Duke games.

Singler would have come off the bench for us. He doesn't play great D.

But, I like his game.

But, Duke will have him a few years and I think he will be very good for them.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Mar 22, 2008 9:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It would have been different

CBH would have taught, and insisted, that he play good D. And I'll bet he'd be a much more complete player today for it.

Are all you future Div 1 prospects watching?

greg in denver

by gbruin on Mar 22, 2008 9:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Particularly Renaldo Sydney

If he wants to join us. I hear that now he is down to SC and us. Well, he can take his chance with Timmy Boy.

by Htse005 on Mar 22, 2008 9:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It depends on his priorities

Does he want to learn to be a thug player, or be a basketball player?

by UCLA4Life on Mar 22, 2008 9:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Boy, you cracked me up

I would tell that Renaldo guy, if he wants to sign with us, to first go to Pauley, bend his knees at the John & Nellie Court logo, and swear his allegiance to the Bruins.

by Htse005 on Mar 22, 2008 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Renardo

Not Renaldo.

by LA Seitz on Mar 22, 2008 10:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Okay, LA Seitz

I always thought this guy' name spelled the same way as that Brazilian soccer star Renaldo that always choked in big games.

by Htse005 on Mar 22, 2008 11:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You got that one wrong, too.

It's Ronaldo ;).

by lolwtferic on Mar 23, 2008 12:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not just Singler

he obviously is in buyer's remorse mode. I like to ask Tayler King this famous Reagan question, " Are you better off now than......... "

Nobody forced him to change his mind after committed to UCLA. He thought he would have a better deal with coach K. So now he has to live with his own decision. Tough luck, kiddo.

by Htse005 on Mar 22, 2008 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What role would King have on this team?

The guy puts up a ton of shots and doesn't really play much of a team game. He doesn't defend like a Ben Ball Warrior, but he does rebound well for his size. But I guess that's why he went to Duke, knowing he can put up 3s for no reason as often as he likes.

by UCLA4Life on Mar 22, 2008 9:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Keep in mind he hasn't had Howland's tutelage

I partially agree with you: we recruit the players we want for a reason. However, I think that we have such a good atmosphere on our team, that we can afford to take in a talented person and teach him good attitude and approach.

by dokein on Mar 22, 2008 9:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

For how long?

UCLA is in championship mode right now. They can ill afford to babysit a guy if they're counting on him to perform in the game. Maybe in the beginning of the year he would play his selfish game that I saw in high school, but if he continued playing that way into the end of the season, that would hurt the team if he was counted on to be a regular in the rotation. I don't think early 3s down the stretch is what I want to see from UCLA. I must say though, he is a scorer and something I'd like off the bench, but not at the expense of defense, which would take him a lot longer to learn.

by UCLA4Life on Mar 22, 2008 9:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Some of the Californians Duke grabbed

aren't that good anyway. Remember Chris Burgess ? He bolted from Durham after just one year, redshirted at Utah and never lived up to the billing. Another one from San Diego, whose name I can't remember, joined Burgess at Duke the same
year. He only rode the pine for four years, injuries and all.

The only one that truly tormented us was Cherokee Parks.

by Htse005 on Mar 22, 2008 9:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Picking Duke...

in recent years is like picking designer clothes for the sake of it's lable. As opposed to Dickies work clothes, you're no longer guaranteed quality.

by Rich1996UCLA on Mar 22, 2008 10:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Should we vanquish North Carolina

assuming everything goes according to plan and we meet in the final, maybe the Ware twins will start feeling like Singler and Taylor King too.

by Htse005 on Mar 22, 2008 11:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

band wagoners

go play some ball yourselves, put it on youtube so we can watch and laugh

by 8994 on Mar 22, 2008 9:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Kevin's

fade away scared the bejezus out of me, but that baby went in.

Our D, no doubt, won it for us. On to the next round.

My bracket looks like a mess, but if UCLA is there at the end, I don't care if I don't get any other match-ups right for as long as we're the only one left in the end.

by UCLAngels on Mar 22, 2008 9:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

A couple of highlights at the end of the game

First, at around 3 minutes left.

Then, Collison's winning bucket followed by the Shipp's block and RW's dunk to end the game.

previously known as Grok451

by Telemachus on Mar 22, 2008 9:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

"The Lazarus Bruins"

Thanks Steve Lavin! I like that.

by jlazarus on Mar 22, 2008 9:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It is Easter

And I told Mr. BB we have to go to church after this game.

by bruinbabe2000 on Mar 22, 2008 9:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's still using that one?

He kept repeating that little quote in the Cal game when Josh hit the winning shot.

by UCLA4Life on Mar 22, 2008 9:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Miami

Terrific gut check. Enjoy the short bus ride home Bruins (although the 5 is always a mess...)

I have to be in Miami for work next week...can anyone recommend a good place to watch the game where other Bruins fans might be?

I cannot chance sitting in a hotel room watching a 20 point blowout in another region while CBS refuses to switch over to UCLA.

by lewkay on Mar 22, 2008 9:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

They Just Took Away RW's Game Ending Dunk

so we won by 2 points, not 4.

Weird.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Mar 22, 2008 9:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

If you watch Tele's replay closely

you can see it hits 0.0 (the lights show up, rather) before the ball goes in.

by lolwtferic on Mar 22, 2008 9:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It did...

look like the ball was still in his hands when the light came on.

by Rich1996UCLA on Mar 22, 2008 9:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

time ended

before he made it; i think it was a little unnecessary anyways

Go Bruins!

by bruinpower on Mar 22, 2008 9:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That is just so trivial !

What's the difference !!!!!!!! Does it mean our TV revenues will be recalculated too ?!?

by Htse005 on Mar 22, 2008 9:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was surprised it counted for that long

watching the replay, the ball was still in his hands when the buzzer sounded and the lights on the backboards went off.

i'll still take the emotion from after the dunk though.

by freesia39 on Mar 22, 2008 9:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah..

You could see the lights on the backboard go on before he dunked it, so I thought it was odd that they counted it. Still sweeeet though!!

Go UCLA!

by madmaxucla on Mar 22, 2008 9:41 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

All right, brothers and sisters

It's bedtime for Mr. BB and I. Tele, I look forward to the press conference and LA media clips tomorrow.

UCLA believes in we, and we believe in UCLA.

by bruinbabe2000 on Mar 22, 2008 9:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Better yet, IN HOWLAND WE TRUST !

by Htse005 on Mar 22, 2008 10:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

God bless you,

Kevin Love and Darren Collison!

BTW, back from vacation! Ready to ride the rest of the way with my brothers and sisters!

Go Bruins!

"I just think, at the end of the day, UCLA is not a great job." Brian D'Oh!n, 12/07

by godblesstyus95 on Mar 22, 2008 10:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

God Bless KLove & company

Players that we love
Stand beside them, and guide them
to the Promised Banner #12

by Htse005 on Mar 22, 2008 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, so close!

You almost had a haiku with that one, too.

God Bless Westwood!
Our home sweet home!

greg in denver

by gbruin on Mar 22, 2008 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Refs

Im glad the Big 12 refs are going back to the midwest. poor officiating. watching this on tivo.

by 8994 on Mar 22, 2008 10:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

TAMU got shut down in crunch time

Just went through the play-by-play sheet and noticed that the Aggies, while shooting 43% for the game, became another victim of UCLA's lock-down, Crunch-time D.

They only shot 2 of 13 (for 15%) over the final 9 minutes!

Atta way to turn it up Bruins.

Easy money and faithless women, red-eye whiskey for the pain...

by rich87 on Mar 22, 2008 10:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

WOW ... eerily similar to Tyus...

Just saw the highlight video and that last drive with 11 seconds left by DC looked like an absolute carbon copy of Tyus Edney's drive (the last few steps at least), littlest guy on the floor driving in on the right side amongst the trees and squeaking through a little banker for the win.

Easy money and faithless women, red-eye whiskey for the pain...

by rich87 on Mar 22, 2008 10:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Also

against a 10 loss, at large, Big 12 team as a 1-9 matchup (although I think Missouri was an 8 seed), playing from an 8-10 point deficit in the second half.

Yep, it felt like '95 all over again!

"I just think, at the end of the day, UCLA is not a great job." Brian D'Oh!n, 12/07

by godblesstyus95 on Mar 22, 2008 11:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just got back from the game

and I still feel like I just shotgunned a 16oz Red Bull. Earlier in the day I wasn't sure I'd be awake enough (after a long weekend) to drive back to Vegas. After that finished, I don't think I'll be able to sleep for a few days.

by Pyrrhus on Mar 22, 2008 10:34 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

That's okay Pyrrhus

I can't sleep either. That's why I am still at the computer posting comments. Al MacQuire and Dick Enberg called the game when Tyus Edney made that play. Amid the ensuing jubilations on the sideline and awestruck comments on the air, both of them said we would win it all, and we did.

by Htse005 on Mar 22, 2008 11:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is K-Love "The ONE?"

What an embarrassment of riches we have to even be able to think of these things but remember when we had Stuart Grey?

I'm sure Stuart is a really nice person, but I remember when he was supposed to be "The ONE" that would make UCLA a National Champion.

I know its early and I know we have talked about this before, but is K-Love our "Neo?"

Happy Trails!

by BillM85Legacy on Mar 22, 2008 10:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I like it!

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

by Lakers Bruins Fanatic on Mar 22, 2008 10:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Larry Brown signed Stuart Grey

But Larry Farmer didn't know how to develop him, period. He was left to sink or swim, on his own.

KLove is the real deal. After those two consecutive blocks, you could see him pumped. Later, standing st the foul line, his piercing eyes reminds me of a champion thoroughbred, ready and waiting at the starting gate.

by Htse005 on Mar 22, 2008 11:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Forgot about Stuart Grey

I remember walking past MAC-2 (Morgan Center for the non geezers in training and geezers) with a friend and saw coach brown and stuart. He said Stuart was going to bring the next banner, remember we had just played in the nc game. Oh well only had to wait another 13 years.

by 10amla on Mar 23, 2008 12:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stuart Grey

The first Bruin basketball player I remember. I had a bit of a crush on him because my favorite number was 5 and he was 55. Hey, I was like 4 at the time.

by bruinbabe2000 on Mar 23, 2008 6:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not entirely sure I'm right.

And if I am, someone has probably already stated it. But, I think our Tyus Edney moment against Missouri was also in the second round.

A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden

by MexiBruin on Mar 22, 2008 10:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It was

On Boise State's campus I believe.

by Tydides on Mar 22, 2008 10:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Who says we can't shoot 3s

Awesome win for the team. Let's hope Shipp, Westbrook, and Luc come out firing next game. Add that with the dependability of Collison and Love-> you have a championship team.

Couldn't help but find this pic while some Aggies were arguing with me over the officiating...

by teis areteis on Mar 22, 2008 11:16 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

After the horrible job they did

In the first half, constantly changing the definition of a foul, especially on the perimeter, and tagging our guys with ticky-tack crap outside while allowing WrestleMania to go on down low, no one has any leverage to talk about officiating. I especially enjoyed having an offensive foul called on a play where Westbrook was the closest man to the ball and got down on the floor for it and was rewarded by the refs by giving the ball back to A&M.

It's popular now days to talk about UCLA being the beneficiary of favoritism, due to two factors: Fear and Jealousy. Those that are still dancing fear us, and they thought maybe they'd get off easy if A&M could do their dirty work for them. Those that aren't dancing are jealous. I don't think that needs further explanation.

by Tydides on Mar 22, 2008 11:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I say this pic doesn't matter

if you could have just managed to not go 9 minutes without making a basket. LOL

by sumo331 on Mar 22, 2008 11:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

We stifled them

and they choked in the last eight plus minutes. Enough said.

by Htse005 on Mar 22, 2008 11:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

All ball, baby!

All ball!

"I just think, at the end of the day, UCLA is not a great job." Brian D'Oh!n, 12/07

by godblesstyus95 on Mar 22, 2008 11:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The refs were awful all game

There were so many missed calls both ways, it was just pathetic. The "foul" on Collison, the "travel" by Luc, etc. The fact that the game was clinched on yet another blown call is very fitting.

by SuperBruinMan on Mar 23, 2008 1:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't see A&M

ask for the officials to correct the mistakes that clearly benefitted them.

by bruinofthenorth on Mar 23, 2008 9:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thank you for the pic..

Shiiiiiiipp!!!

Love 'ya.

Love My Bruins

by Bruingirl83 on Mar 23, 2008 9:10 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can you say...

body slam. I bet DC sure can.

by Rich1996UCLA on Mar 23, 2008 9:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow

just got back from the game. It was tense at half and most of the game. We worked hard to get the crowd into it. When Love raised his arms, you could feel the energy in the building. There were plenty of bad calls and things looked bad for much of the game, but the bruins find a way to grind it out. It became a two man game on offense with Love and Collison, but they found a way to win. My voice is gone, but what a game!

I knew it would be a tough game. I went to the wooden classic last season and knew how tough it would be. Those kids are big, physical and play very good defense. They bump and hedge screens very well. We all know about the second round challenges. A huge hurdle was cleared tonight. The way the west region is shaping up, I like our chances. Moving on to Phoenix!

by Bruins095 on Mar 22, 2008 11:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Our offense

seemed stuck. I knew we were in touble, and just hoped A&M wouldn't build up an insurmountable lead for us.

by Htse005 on Mar 23, 2008 12:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Shipp, Westbrook, Luc

and others became tentative. It seemed like nobody wanted the ball at times. Josh just can't find his shot and the comments about coming off screen are correct. There were double screens set for him and he tried to curl off tight, but his swagger is missing. It happened with Afflalo on offense for awhile last year. Bruins went cold, but Love and Collison won't let us lose. Credit A&M for tough D, they hold opponents to 39% shooting. I figure they have to start knocking shots down eventually and think it will happen on Thursday.

A&M fans were great in our section. The loudest anti-ucla chants were coming from Stanford fans. It's awesome though being surrounded by and celebrating with fellow bruins. How sweet was the dunk to end it? The crowd exploded.

by Bruins095 on Mar 23, 2008 12:19 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

That's sad

Seemed like Stanford was getting plenty of the Bruin Blue cheering section from how it sounded on TV. I know Wazzu and UCLA were both for Pac 10 solidarity when we shared Sacramento as a site last year. Don't tell me they're still bitter about the regular season game they lost considering they went and lost to SUC destroying the "we would have been the champs" argument, then we bounced them out in the Pac 10 Tourney without Luc and an injured KLove proving beyond all doubt which team was better. It's a shame that they're too jealous of us to muster up some conference pride or at the very least to return the favor from when we were rooting for them.

by Tydides on Mar 23, 2008 12:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow,

I was cheering for them like crazy. They just do not get it, though. It's really unfortunate that they don't get the cool feeling that comes with cheering on another team that you know pretty well when they're playing someone else.

Their loss and misfortune.

Love My Bruins

by Bruingirl83 on Mar 23, 2008 9:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

it is too bad. I figure many Stanford fans are still bitter about loss to bruins. I've been to other tournament games and every time pac-10 schools shared some love for respective teams. Imagine a final four matchup with Stanford? Not sure I want to see bruins play them again.

Dohn's at it again, showing photo of Shipp's block at the end of the game and asking if it was a foul.

by Bruins095 on Mar 23, 2008 12:53 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Digg up the picture

of DC getting thrown to the floor and getting called for a foul on that.

It was a "makeup" call.

by karaethon on Mar 23, 2008 1:19 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Glad this game is behind us

I sure wouldn't want to be looking ahead to this team, now that I've seen what they can do. Wonder how far they might have gone in some other bracket...?

by bruinchick on Mar 23, 2008 12:56 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Another thing to consider

Texas A&M, even after tonight's loss, is the #16 team in the country according to Ken Pomeroy. That would make them a 4 seed, not a 9 seed.

by SuperBruinMan on Mar 23, 2008 1:37 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Also

The ball went over the backboard twice this game. It wasn't called either time.

by SuperBruinMan on Mar 23, 2008 1:37 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Sum things up

That was awful, pure torture throughout, and only now that I've seen the highlights 50 times am I sure that we won. With that said, a victory is a victory and it doesn't matter now. Just like yesterday, it's a one game season. Some notes:

This just in: DC and KL are great.
Shipp is on ice.
LRMAM looked bad--too short of an injury-period to call it rust.
Aboya got 2 minutes.

by jjreicher on Mar 23, 2008 1:45 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

The haters

are coming out and focusing on Shipp's block. He may have gotten away with one, but the officiating was horrible. There were so many bad calls along with non-calls. Lots of comments on various blogs about the bruins and refs winning games and their march towards a tainted title.

It's a shame officiating has been so bad. I certainly could be biased, but it sure looked like bruins were getting some pretty bad calls for much of the game. Bruins are moving on, that's the bottom line.

by Bruins095 on Mar 23, 2008 2:15 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Exhibit A

Show DC getting wrapped around the waist and tossed to the floor. Foul is called...on Collison.

Those without the honesty to at least admit that the officiating was terrible both ways aren't worth your time, because they're just searching for excuses. Pathetic excuses to deflect attention from their own team's shortcomings. In the end, after we beat people, that's generally all they're left with: excuses.

by Tydides on Mar 23, 2008 2:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Pond was ROCKIN' TONIGHT!!!

WOW! Just WOW! I just got home and was lucky enough to have a low-level seat in the Marquette section directly in front of the UCLA basket & bench. With over 8 minutes to go, EVERYONE stood up and stayed up for the rest of the game. I can never recall a UCLA game where even the old farts stood up for more than a minute. It was LOUD!!! I don't think it was ever that loud at Pauley. The blocked shots were AWESOME! And Westbrook's final dunk at the buzzer brought down the house!!! I'm still wired! Sweet Sixteen, here we come! Go Bruins!!!

by mark the bruin on Mar 23, 2008 2:22 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Absolutely

I got home several hours ago and I'm still jacked. It's an incredible experinece isn't it? The energy keeps you going, can't even think about going to sleep right now. I was at the Gonzage game two years ago and the energy and noise was unbelievable (bruin fans were hugging and going nuts), but this was pretty close. I kept waiting for the crowd to get into it and finally it got loud! All that nervous tension came out. There is nothing like high-fiving and celebrating with tons of bruin fans. Marching on!!

by Bruins095 on Mar 23, 2008 2:35 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I can't even spell

fingers moving too fast :)

by Bruins095 on Mar 23, 2008 2:36 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I cannot believe

The number of Josh Shipp apologists around these parts. Talking about his improved defense (when there is zero evidence to back this up) or his ability to "step up" in big games (one nice shot behind the backboard negating everything else this season).

Shipp was my favorite recruit among the original Howland Three (Farmar, Afflalo, Shipp). I've rooted for the kid like nobody's business, and really believe he was the most talented of the three. But he has been a massive disappointment, and his "laid back nature" is a facade. He's not that good, and he's not a winner.

If we take home the title, it will be despite Josh Shipp, not thanks to him. And it pains me to write that, but it's the truth.

If Josh Shipp had a heart, we'd cruise to the title. Alas, he doesn't, and we won't. We can win the whole thing, but Josh will probably have little to no impact. What an absolute shame.

by Sweetbreads Bailey on Mar 23, 2008 2:41 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Obvious Troll Is Obvious

Heh, I've never seen anyone level criticism at someone else for events that have not transpired yet. It's logically impossible, but we at BN have found a way!

Since I'm just having fun here with this inherent contradiction, allow me to preemptively criticize your response to this post for being unnecessarily vitriolic and containing too many ad hominem attacks for me to even remotely take seriously.

Alright, maybe you won't do those things. You're not a trOJan after all. But to only have complaints after a game like this? You gotta enjoy the ride a little, my man, otherwise the journey isn't worth it in the first place. I hope you don't mind though, that I place Howland's judgment on Shipp over yours. I'm sure you know a lot, but when it comes to basketball, I just trust CBH more.

by Tydides on Mar 23, 2008 3:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lame

Why the need to post something like this after a great win is beyond me.

Move on brother!

by Rich1996UCLA on Mar 23, 2008 8:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

First of all,

nobody is "apologizing" for Josh Shipp--nobody needs to. As for his value defensively, it appears to me that there is PLENTY of photographic and video evidence of that which you can--and probably should--review.

Additionally, Ben Howland also recruited LMR. Do you have some back-stabbing for him, too? (Because, if you do, you should take it somewhere else.) Take note: Basketball is a team sport. Josh's teams--WITH HIS HELP--have been to the Final Four twice and also to the championship game in the past two years, and have played an amazing winning season this year. Josh has been an integral part of these WINNING teams. He is, therefore, VERY MUCH a WINNER.

If this TEAM brings home a title this year, it will be because of every single team member playing a role, INCLUDING Josh Shipp.

Finally, it is YOU who has "no heart." Josh's has been on his sleeve throughout this ride, and he has absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.

God help ANYONE who would ever have to be on a team along with you. You are clearly the kind of rabbit that would throw blame then run when the chips are down.

You, and those like you, are the shame.

Love My Bruins

by Bruingirl83 on Mar 23, 2008 9:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seems a bit harsh

I share your frustration with Josh. He is in a prolonged slump and has lost his swagger. It's hard to believe I don't want him anywhere near the ball right now. He is certainly a missing piece on offense. To say he isn't a winner doesn't seem fair though. He was a winner in previous seasons. It sounds like he handles things differently than others. I seriously doubt he lacks the heart or desire to win. The bruins keep winning even with Josh in a slump and cleared a huge hurdle tonight. He may seem like a hinderance, but I trust Howland to make the right decisions concerning substitutions and play-calling. He knows his system. It will be harder to advance without his shots, but it can be done.

by Bruins095 on Mar 23, 2008 3:10 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Give Shipp a break guys.

They zeroed in on him on defense. Last thing we needed is him shooting contested 3s. This was a sort of a game where someone else had to step up.

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

by Lakers Bruins Fanatic on Mar 23, 2008 6:19 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

We'll need Shipp before this is done.

As good as aTm was last night, we'll face better teams (Xavier, Kansas, Texas, UNC are some possibilities) and we won't survive without JS (and RW and LRMAM) contributing more on offense. So I'm not willing to give up on him. He's made big shots in the past and I know he has it in him to do so again.

Shooters go through hot streaks and cold streaks, and JS is ice cold right now, but I trust CBH and the team to pick him up. I think running a couple plays to get him some good easy looks from medium range to drives to the basket (not 3 pt bombs) early next game will be key to getting his confidence and stroke back.

That's not being an apologist. That's looking to get something fixed.

greg in denver

by gbruin on Mar 23, 2008 7:38 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Josh Shipp

This was an excellent way to make the point that we could use more scoring from Shipp. Comments like "he is useless" and "he has no heart" are absurd. We could also have used more scoring from the other forward position and from Westbrook last night. DC and KL carried the load. Hopefully others will contribute points and help achieve more balance in the next round.

by islandbruin on Mar 23, 2008 8:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You kind of make your point..

"..but I trust CBH and the team to pick him up."

Arguably the wisest authority on this year's UCLA basketball team, Ben Howland, has faith in Shipp becuase he keeps starting him and sticks with him most of the game. He must know something.

A secondary thought is how "klunky" some of these victories are. This is meant witn absolutely no disrespect, but I keep comparing them to how Lew & company and the Walton gang used to disassemble opponents so smoothly. I can only remember 7 or 8 "problem" games during their tenure..

..but then I am reminded that both the Lew and Walton teams had a freshman year to play together against dorky frosh teams. Kevin Love and this crew have been at this together less than one season and they are doing it against top-level talent bent on their destruction.

If KL and DC and RW come back next year (and they probably won't) it is a pretty safe assumption that they would have similar cake-walks.

God, it's great to be a Bruin!

by whp68 on Mar 23, 2008 8:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Luc and Josh

Both players are not shooting the jumpers well at all right now. Luc wasn't known as a jump-shooter anyways, and he's still developing that part of his game. Shipp is relying a little too much on the 3-point shot. He should dribble a little and shoot a much closer mid-range shot to get into a shooter's rhythm and some confidence. Or at the very least drive to the basket and draw a foul and get some free-throws to gain some confidence. Shipp is still a very good free-throw shooter and I don't want to see him be tentative on offense. He's got to put it behind him and focus on executing the next shot.

by UCLA4Life on Mar 23, 2008 8:24 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

PAC 10: Overrated?

3 of the sweet 16 spots taken by Pac10 teams. I say the PAC 10 proved it wasn't overrated.

by Rich1996UCLA on Mar 23, 2008 8:56 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

ACC has one team in the Sweet 16

Assuming Miami loss to Texas.

by bruinofthenorth on Mar 23, 2008 9:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hope Miami takes out Texas.

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

by Lakers Bruins Fanatic on Mar 23, 2008 10:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If justSC managed to make it to the Final Four

We could've potentially had an all Pac10 FF in UCLA, Stanford, Wazzou, and justSC.

Wouldn't that be amazing?

by lolwtferic on Mar 23, 2008 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Better use of Josh

Josh is hanging around the perimeter too much. Even if he gets a wide open 3, he won't take it now or will miss badly like he did against A&M. We need him cutting to the rack or curling in at the top of the paint. Seems like what he did so successfully his frosh year. In the alternative, we should go Big and bring in LMR more to replace Josh at various times. That way we have K-Love and LMR in at the same time--twin towers. With the Prince in at the same time as the towers, we own the boards and easy kick outs to DC, Westy and even K-Love for the 3-point shot. No rap on Josh, but offensively we are only playing with 4 guys against our opponents 5. I'm just sayin'...

by bruin75 on Mar 23, 2008 11:51 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Agree

If Josh penetrated more (like he did I think during the last furd game), he could either shoot or dish inside or out. This worked for him in one of the last few games. W/ this, it could put him in a better offensive flow for himself and give him more confidence as a result.

by Rich1996UCLA on Mar 23, 2008 12:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like him as an interior passer

especially when he gets in the paint. I believe he and Luc do this particularly well, and with KLove roaming near the baseline, it would be a great way to get some points.

by Tydides on Mar 23, 2008 12:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Josh

It seems like one item which may be overlooked by posters who question Josh's heart is that he had hip surgery the September before his sophomore season, and tried to come back 11 games into the season (too soon, with continual pain). I don't think a heartless competitor would suck it up and do major rehab to try to get back as soon as possible. Josh is a competitor who appears to have lost confidence in his outside shot, and therefore passes up opportunities. I don't see how that equates to heartless.

by islandbruin on Mar 23, 2008 6:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

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