Other players had gaudier numbers, but Ben Howland put the West Regional Final net around the neck of Josh Shipp. People want to see Shipp score more, people want the flash. Josh Shipp just wants the Bruins win. So while he put together another quiet night, Ben Howland rewarded him for the team player he is.
Josh Shipp doing the "little" things
Russell Westbrook shook off a sub-par performance against Western Kentucky, and heeded his coach's advice to slow it down a bit. He came away with 17 points and three steals, two of which made it seem like he knew the playbook better than the Musketeers.
Russell Westbrook scores 17
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute looks near 100% as he had a double-double and played 35 minutes looking like his old self. We'll need him this weekend.
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute is back!
The little general Darren Collison controlled the tempo of the game, dished off for five assists, was 3 of 3 from 3-point distance, scored 19 points and only had one foul. Not bad for second-team Pac-10, eh?
Darren Collison, the little motor that makes the Bruins go
Mr. Consistency. The Big Fundamental. Averaging a double-double for the season. Scored in double figures every game. Laser-Love outlet passes. Unfazed by March Madness. Twice in the second half, he hit 3-pointers that brought the lead to 20 points, which had to just kill any Xavier thoughts of a comeback.
West Regional MOP, Kevin Love
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