Key and pick
What does everyone think the keys to tonight's game is, and how about a prediction?
For me, the two things UCLA must do is handle Western Kentucky's full court pressure and exploit the mismatch with Kevin Love in the middle.
UCLA 81, Western Kentucky 67
for ucla, transition D and how the fouls are called. since k-love will be an unmatched strength, wku will try to handle him with two or three guys, emphasizing the physicality with each. if the refs call it close, and our free throw percentage is high, we do fine. if we limit their transition offense by either getting a lot of O boards or running back without allowing easy buckets, we are okay. ucla 70 wku 59.
Luc's health,,,as it will be in every game hence.
Shipp's scoring(not necessarily from the arc),,,as it will be in every game.
I think WKU will press and trap to try to: (1) force Collison to give up the ball; (2) disrupt the offense; and (3) prevent entry passes to Love. That said, I think Westbrook will need to have a solid game handling the ball and making decisions. I also think it will be important for UCLA to prevent easy 3-point shots for WKU's guards. I see a close game with UCLA winning by 5-7 points.
First, my guess is that Coach Howland will run a few offense sets for Josh to get open and shoot 3s; if he hits his first few shots, the game is essentially over in my view. Second, transition offense, getting quick scores after beating the press. Third, limit TOs through the press and then in the frenetic open court with the 2 on 1s and 3 on 2s.
Bruins 78 WKU 65
I predict UCLA pounds it down low and Love goes to the line no less than 10 times after WKU determines the only way to stop him is to foul him. Huge game for Love 25 points, 14 rebounds. UCLA in a walk, 78-62.
I don't see a pressing/trapping team being too effective against us - too many good ballhandlers and one great one. I also don't think this will be close, though the way we play we'll never beat a decent team by 30...
UCLA 65 WKU 51