Stamina test
Western Kentucky likes to run up and down the court, and if the Hilltoppers can keep it close down the stretch, guard Courtney Lee said an up-tempo pace could help toward the end.
"We feel (a fast pace) could favor us because we like to get out and play aggressive in a fast pace,'' Lee said, "and towards the end of the game we will run more bodies at them the whole game. Definitely, we feel we can wear them down towards the end of the game."
Playin tough D the entire game is much more exhausting than running back and forth so I'm confident that the Bruins are in shape for a run and gun affair, which I liken to the two ASU games. Alfred, Nicola and Keefe are able bodies that run the transition fairly well and I'm sure they have not been scouted. Plus, given the Bruins' diversity on the ball handling front and their excellent transition offense and defense, I think a fast paced game is a mistake for the 'toppers. 6 hours and counting . . .
My only concern, BruinGirl, is Lic's ankle. Even though he claims his ankle to be 90%, I am concerned that WKU fast-paced style is going to exacerbate an already tender ankle. Luc seems to be the catalyst of the team and I hope he is able to produce points and play great defense. I am hoping that Luc's ankle does not get swollen like it did after Saturday's game if they advance to the Elite Eight.
WKU has no choice but to play a fast-paced game because a half-court game would be in UCLA's favor. Not only is Luc going to be slower than normal -- Love isn't that quick to begin with and will get winded quickly, forcing Mata and Aboya to play a lot of minutes. Dragovic has not been a factor all season, and I don't see him contributing much at this point. Keefe and Aboya will need to take special care to avoid foul trouble.