UCLA wins (barely)
UCLA survived Miami, Ohio, 64-59, in the second round of Coaches vs. Cancer classic and will play Michigan Thursday in New York in the semifinals.
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About Inside UCLA
This is Brian Dohn's sixth season covering UCLA after spending 4 1/2 years covering the Dodgers for the Daily News and other Los Angeles Newspaper Group papers. He graduated from Rutgers, where the first college football game was played in 1869. Sure, the Scarlet Knights suffered for a long time, but now RU is doing what Jerseyans always thought was possible. Winning at Rutgers also proves winning is possible everywhere else in the nation, so underachieving coaches better be careful. Now, if only men's hoops can turn it around.
They almost laid a Princeton on us. They didn't seem too in awe of us and ran their offense nicely and played solid defense. We on the other hand looked a bit disjointed in our half court set and often just relied on DC or Josh to create something. Good experience though for the frosh to see what it takes to pull out close games. Miami (OH) was a very disciplined team that impressed me. I think they will make the tourney this year.
Onward to Michigan!
I just read that DC said this was like a tournament game--my thoughts exactly. Miami played way better than I expected. Is it too early to be concerned about our free throw shooting?
We were lucky to win. I thought one of the MU players got pushed down from behind when going for a rebound towards the end, but maybe it was by one of his own players.
Collison still dribbles the ball too much; it must be frustrating for his teammates not to get a pass after working so hard to get open. We do seem to be getting better at not letting the shot clock wind down to the last second before heaving a desperation shot; I think I only saw a couple of those tonight.
Jrue Holiday had an off night. Was surprised he only played 15 minutes.
Drew Gordon had a tough physical battle underneath with Adam Fletcher. Again, must be frustrating for him to work so hard to get open and not get an entry pass down in the block (shades of Keven Love).
Nice to see Dragovic play so well and with a lot of emotion.
I was surprised that they didn't call an intentional foul on J'Mison Morgan for obviously grabbing and pulling an MU player's jersey from behind in order to prevent him from scoring.
The team lost a lot from last year, 2 animals on the boards and a great all-around athlete.
The expectations are probably too high this year for this very young team.
LJ
We have a lot of holes on defense with little help. Too many drive by layups that would never have happened in prior years. This year's defense looks to be the poorest of the Howland years. But, it's early, I suspect things will tighten up by start of conference.
Well, Dohn, you got your free trip to New York. Tell yoru parents that VB says hi!
I think it's a bit too early to start making statements like "the expectations are probably too high this year". Yes we look rusty, Yes we need to work harder on both sides of the ball. But all in all, we played an experienced team that didn't back down and pulled out a win. Should we be concerned about certain issues, sure. But theres no way we can write off our boys so soon. I expect a couple more tough losses this year than that of last year, but I expect a good tourney run this year regardless. Go Bruins.
A team with better inside scoring may force us to go zone on D more and take away the ball pressure our guards are providing now. Interior D is concerning me now. Thought we benefitted from some non calls on Collison's pressure D. Hope the refs continue to give him some senior respect this year.
When is the next game?