UCLA - Western Kentucky Preview

Sweet 16
UCLA Bruins (1) Vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (12)
Thursday, March 27 @ 9:40 pm

It was improbable that UCLA should find itself down 29- 26 at the half against second round opponent Texas A&M. But the first seed found themselves just in that position with the ninth seed. In the second, UCLA was down by 10. Then it got tight down the stretch, with the Bruins pulling to within one—44 to 43—with 5:51 left.

At the end, it came down to two Kevin Love jumpers, a Luc Richard Mbah rebound and two Darren Collison layups. The final: UCLA 51 and Texas A&M 49.

Overall, this was an even battle with the difference being the play of UCLA center Love. Love notched a double-double—11 rebounds and 19 points. Collision led all scores with 21. All other UCLA point scorers were at single digits. The Bruins defense played tough with 11 blocks and 7 steals, which certainly helped keep the number one seed in the game.

For the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, it’s been one heck of a ride through the first and second rounds. After beating fifth seed Drake, 12th seed WKU met 13th seed the University of San Diego. San Diego had upset UCONN in their first round match. The Hilltoppers topped San Diego in the second round 72- 63, earning the right to meet first seed UCLA.

The Toppers star swingman Chris Lee outscored all with 29 points. He pulled down 7 assists, as did forward Jeremy Evans. Evans was good for 9 points. At point guard, Tyrone Brazelton put in 15 points, dished off 5 assists and grabbed 3 rebounds. The defense played well, stealing 13 and blocking 6.

With the mega-talents such Love and Collison on UCLA, it will be extremely tough for Western Kentucky to continue to the Elite Eight. Then again, most didn’t expect them to be in the Sweet 16. The fact is the Bruins are vulnerable, especially to underdog teams. I wouldn’t bet on the Hilltoppers. But I wouldn’t get against them either.

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