A&M thoughts
Since the comments feature is again working, I thought this is a good time to ask what the keys to today's game will be.
For me, it's the play of Darren Collison and Russell Westbrook. Texas A&M has size inside, but the Aggies' guard play has been inconsistent as of late. After watching the Aggies beat BYU in the first round, I think UCLA should be able to control the game with its backcourt.
Another factor is coaching, and most people I speak to say UCLA's Ben Howland has the clear advantage in this matchup.
I think the only area of the game UCLA needs to feel threatened is on 2nd chance buckets. With Luc not being 100%, rebounding could be an issue given A&M's size. If Texas A&M controls the offensive boards, this game might be closer than UCLA expects. Shipp and Westbrook need to commit to helping out on the defensive glass, instead of just taking off downcourt for the home run pass. If UCLA controls the glass, they win easily.
The key to UCLA going much farther in the playoffs is for Shipp to become efficient shotting from the outside.
Lets hope he gets it back in time.
1) Rebounding. UCLA needs to control the glass.
2) Collison & Westbrook defensive pressure on their guards.
3) Love has to go up strong against Davis.
4) I'm not worried about their 6'10" guys. We can thrown bodies at them also (Mata, Aboya etc). But Collison & Westbrook should penetrate and get them into foul trouble.
5) Shipp must hit the outside shot, to relieve congestion, and make their collapsing on Love, costly.
6) Howland must call a good half-court offense. They will be playing man. We must take advantage of off-screen penetration & jumpshots.
Remember, Bayless beat them single-handedly for UA (although Buddinger hit the 3 and Hill mid-range jumpers). Collison must take over this game also (offense & defense).