UCLA wins
UCLA beat Southern Illinois 77-60 behind Alfred Aboya's career-high 22 points. But Aboya watched the final 3:38 with ice on his left wrist. He was injured while taking a charge.
I will have an update later, but for now, what did everyone thing of the game?
Slow start, especially on offense, then we really found a rhythm later in the game. Aboya was awesome. His hustle and aggression won this game for us. Rebounding was an issue. we didn't block out that well.
and that fastbreak in the 2nd half (shipp-DC-Aboya)? Looked like the Showtime Lakers for a second.
enjoyed the in game chat.
definitely good for the site as it connects with readers on a personal level.
I got home in time for the second half. I was pleased and impressed with Aboya. With the departure of Love and Mata-Real, I believe Aboya will finally get the opportunity to play substantial minutes and shine. I hope his injury isn't too serious. Here's an interesting stat, in UCLA's early season, all their opponents have scored 60 points or less. It was unfortunate that in their loss against Michigan, UCLA's offense left something to be desired. But I give props to their defense. This team will take it's lumps early but I believe will do well when it counts, come tourney time. GO BRUINS!!!
I think UCLA is more effective offensively with Drago in the game,he shoots and passes much better than keefe,i think Howland will give him more time.
Lots of holes still - blocking out, help D, losing men on the three point line. That defensive scoring stat is misleading due to playing three opponents who like to slow it down anyway - fewer possessions = fewer points. However, one other good stat - these two games we held the opponent's top scorer 'way under his average - at least while the game was still on the line. Taking away the other side's most dangerous weapon is a Ben Howland trademark; doing it this season so far without a true stop defender (in the absence of Afflalo and Mbah a Moute) is a good sign.
Aboya's injury - if it keeps him out very long - would be a huge blow, but if it gives Gordon and Morgan more PT in the short run, it could well be a blessing in disguise, as Darren's injury was for Russell Westbrook's emergence last season. Long way to go but this team could wind up pretty darn good - Final Four level? Hasn't shown that yet. But if the freshmen develop along the way, certainly Sweet Sixteen, likely Elite Eight - beyond that it's up to matchups and seeding
couldnt see it live but saw it on replay at espn360.com! we need more espn, vitale and bob knight doing the games, thats exciting no matter what u think about those guys!
shipp seems lost in finding his roll or something. collison looks great, i want him to get a lil more greedy with his shot. aboya looks fantastic. holiday looks awesome, but shouldnt be one and done. bobo morgan...wow he really is not in optimum shape. like hes way slow and late on the high hedge and misses it, then hes way late in running back down low, thats bad bad news in howland's D! but im hopeful he will develop. didnt see enough of the other freshman, they do look raw but talented. overall im pretty confident this team will gel mid-season and give us lots of fun memories! oh, and dragovic and roll better step their game up or id rather see the freshmen get experience.
go bruinz!!