(2) UCLA -20 vs. (15) Weber State (O/U: 128)
So what happened to UCLA? The Bruins rolled along all season before dropping their regular season closer to Washington and then their Pac-10 quarterfinal match-up with California. For those scoring at home, that's two teams that didn't even make the NIT. Then again, maybe the Bruins are crazy like a fox. While every other 1 and 2 seed played at least two games this past weekend, UCLA has been resting since last Thursday.
UCLA is arguably the best defensive team in the tournament. If they're making their shots, they can and will beat anyone else in the field, the problem is the shots aren't always falling. If someone's going to beat UCLA they're going to do it by pounding the ball inside and wearing away at the Bruins' lack of interior size or depth. Still, they've got three perimeter guys: Darren Collison, Aaron Afflalo and Josh Shipp, who are capable of taking over a game at any time and willing this team to victory.
Weber State... well, they're Weber State. They like to keep things tight defensively as well, but they obviously don't have the scorers or athletes to match UCLA. Not to mention, they like to turn the ball over a lot, which plays right into the Bruins' hands. Harold "The Show" Arceneaux is not walking through that door.
The play to make: This is a rare case where the public is expecting the 15-seed to keep it within 20 points. This is pretty possible, but I'm not sure why anyone would expect it to happen. UCLA can have their way with this team however they want, the real question is whether coach Ben Howland feels it's necessary to run up the score once it gets comfortable. My guess is no, and that's probably what Weber State backers are banking on. But this is playing with fire. I like the Under in this game, especially if it gets ugly early.
Who to take based on which mascot would win in a fight: Finally, a man's man's fight, a wildcat and a bruin. The wildcat is wily and quick (and in this case, purple), but in the end the bruin will simply overpower it and get things over with. Edge: UCLA
Who Suzy from accounting is taking: Gotta go with the heart here and show some appreciation for UCLA's classic blue-and-gold uniform color scheme. Edge: UCLA
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