Thomas Welsh, with his midrange jumper, is one of many potent weapons UCLA has on offense. HARRY HOW — GETTY IMAGES
UCLA loves to run. Cincinnati loves to wait.
The team that successfully imposes its will on offense will likely be the one to emerge from Sunday’s NCAA Tournament second-round matchup between the No. 3-seeded Bruins and the No. 6-seeded Bearcats at 6:40 p.m. PT in Sacramento.
“We’ve got to keep that ball moving whether we’re at half court or at the full court,” UCLA head coach Steve Alford said. “We’ve got to make sure our spacing is good, our cutting is sharp, our screens are good and physical and the ball moves. If it doesn’t and it becomes a grind that favors them.”
UCLA (30-4) is trying to advance to its third Sweet 16 in four years under Alford. Cincinnati (30-5) is in its seventh straight NCAA Tournament.
Links to preview the game:
- Thomas Welsh is UCLA’s 7-foot midrange robot
- A look at the top prospects in the upcoming NBA Draft, including Lonzo Ball
- From columnist Mark Whicker: What Cincinnati’s brand of basketball has in common with a pickup truck commercial
- Cincinnati scouting report
- Ike Anigbogu is expected to be available for the game
- Video: Welsh, Alford and Aaron Holiday press conference