Today's stuff
Here is the game advance and notebook I wrote in today's paper, a column from Steve Dilbeck, and piece by Jill Painter about the top 10 NCAA Tournament moments in UCLA history. Also, I did a matchup box but I do not believe there is a link, so it is below.
Darren Collison vs. Derrick Rose
One of the three key matchups pits Collison’s defensive quickness against Rose’s ability to dribble drive and create for others. Collison could be a force offensively, and can control the tempo. Rose has the size advantage, and has incredible physical ability.
Edge: Even
Russell Westbrook vs. Chris Douglas-Roberts
Another key matchup as Westbrook is UCLA’s defensive stopper, and he draws the assignment of shutting down the all-American. Douglas-Roberts can shoot the three (41.6 percent), and also run the floor. Westbrook is limited offensively.
Edge: Memphis
Josh Shipp vs. Antonio Anderson
Shipp turned from UCLA’s second-best offensive threat to a role player in the last two months, and Anderson is an overlooked cog in Memphis’ system. Anderson is shooting 40.9 percent from three, while Shipp is deferring shots to teammates.
Edge: Memphis
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute vs. Robert Dozier
It’s grinder vs. grinder here, but Mbah a Moute’s experience, savvy and ability to read the game is key. His rebounding will be key, and the health of his left ankle is no longer an issue. Dozier has the tendency to get in foul trouble.
Edge: UCLA
Kevin Love vs. Joey Dorsey
This is the third key matchup, pitting UCLA’s all-American against the physically imposing Dorsey. Love can score from the inside and outside, and his instincts are unparalleled for big men in college basketball. Dorsey is averaging 9.6 rebounds per game, but he hasn’t seen a player of Love’s caliber all season.
Edge: UCLA
Bench
Whatever the Bruins get from this group is considered a bonus, and makes it imperative they are not in foul trouble. Memphis is without the suspended Andre Allen, but still gets more than 18 points per game from Doneal Mack, Willie Kemp and and Shawn Taggart.
Edge: Memphis
Coach
UCLA’s Ben Howland is a defensive whiz, and two years ago he out-schemed Memphis’ John Calipari in the NCAAs. UCLA will know every offensive step Memphis takes before the Tigers can take it.
Edge: UCLA
Intangibles
Experience matters more than size, and the Bruins have it. This is their third straight trip to the Final Four, they spent the season winning close games and will not panic late.
Edge: UCLA
Final Score
UCLA 71, Memphis 68
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