clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Gamethread for Maui Semi Final UCLA v. #5 Kansas

How good (or bad) is UCLA? We will find out tonight?

How tired will Bryce Alford be after playing 40 minutes and breaking a full court press.
How tired will Bryce Alford be after playing 40 minutes and breaking a full court press.
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

UCLA had its first win over a high major D I level talented team in the first round of the Maui Tournament beating UNLV. However, UNLV's Coach is arguably not a D I level coach but just a glorified recruiter who is on the hot seat for a reason. Steve Alford outcoached him with a 1-2-2- zone that took UNLV over a half to figure out. That defense was one of the keys to the game.

Tonight against Kansas UCLA plays a team with talent and a coach. Gimmicks or a funky zone seem unlikely to work tonight. You can guarantee that Kansas will be prepared for it. On the plus side for UCLA tonight, no one expects them to win. On the minus side while Kansas had a glorified scrimmage yesterday, UCLA had a nailbiter that included Bryce Alford playing 40 minutes.

Will tonight's game be a sign of good things to come? Or will this be the start of an alternate game death march of games when we play alternating games against Kentucky, North Carolina, and Gonzaga? Mexibruins preview is here. How to watch is here. The official game notes are here.

Go Bruins!