Thumping

There were enough moments in the game in which Villanova appeared to be trying to let the Bruins make a run (for example, when UCLA cut is deficit to 12 points late in the first half only to allow three consecutive offensive rebounds to the Wildcats, who capitalized with a 3-pointer).

But UCLA never played with any consistency, defensively or offensively, and the Bruins let the Wildcats dictate play at both ends of the floor as well en route to Villanova's 89-69 win.

I expected Villanova to win this game, especially since it was played, virtually, on the Wildcats' home court.

But I also expected it to be much, more competitive than it was. They could have played this game in Pauley Pavilion and Villanova would have won it, if the Bruins had come through with the very same effort.