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The tournament has been fun to watch so far and the PAC 12 has gone 3-1. UCLA is a 3.5 point underdog to Minnesota but we feel confident. Part of the reason for the confidence is those who know Minnesota best aren't too high on Minnesota chances. If UCLA can shoot tonight, it seems likely we will win.
The official preview is here. With this key note:
UCLA enters this season's NCAA Tournament having won nine of its last 12 games ... The Bruins have compiled an 11-2 record this season in games decided by five points or fewer ... Larry Drew II ranks in the top four, nationally, in both assists per game (7.4) and assist turnover ratio (3.1) ... Drew II's 253 single-season assists are third-most in Pac-12 history and first on UCLA's single-season list.
By contrast the Minnesota basketball website focuses on a bat during practice. Maybe they have checked out already.
The difference may be Larry Drew II. The Gophers have two players with tournament experience for a total of 2 minutes. While no players have been in the tournament as Bruins before, UCLA Captain Larry Drew II was on the championship North Carolina team his freshman year. With Larry leading the way, look for the Bruins to win tonight.
GO BRUINS!