Arizona Vs UCLA: 3 Questions For Zona Zealots

As we have done previously, we once again talk to an opposing blog and today we ask three questions to Zona Zealots for today’s UCLA-Arziona game.

The biggest game in the Pac-12 conference is tonight as Arizona comes to Pauley Pavilion to face the UCLA Bruins in a battle of the Pac-12’s elite programs.

I was able to chat with the Editor of the Arizona Fansided site, Shareen Rayan of Zona Zealots to get her perspective on the game.

Go Joe Bruin: UCLA and Arizona are the cream of the Pac-12 crop, but there has been a discrepancy in the last few years. Despite AZ starting strong, is there anything Wildcat fans are concerned with UCLA in this game?

Zona Zealots: Just that UCLA will step it up against Arizona. They step up when they play difficult, ranked teams. Steve Alford now has experience playing in the Pac-12 with the Pac-12 referees, unlike Bobby Hurley who is blocking UofA fans on Twitter after his hissy fit. So it will be intense, and Sean Miller is probably hoping his seasoned players keep their cool and hit their shots, especially their free throws.

Dec 23, 2014; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Sean Miller shouts towards a player during a game against the UNLV Rebels at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

GJB: Sean Miller made some interesting comments about UCLA and their fans at the beginning of the season. How do you think Miller and the Wildcats handle themselves in this game (which should be quite hostile)?

ZZ: Miller was frustrated at all the recruiting struggles he has had recently, seems Compton Magic AAU players want to play close to home and with each other on the college level. Can’t blame them, but then with T.J. Leaf decommitting, he feels the pressure. His comment about ‘traffic in Los Angeles’ was geared to uncommitted players who want to play in front of a full arena.

The Cat’s will handle themselves just fine, most of the starters have a lot of experience playing in front of rowdy crowds. What might rattle them is having the OKC Thunder watching them play. It’s good practice for the final four.

GJB: UCLA just lost their first two games to start Pac-12 play while Arizona starts out 1-0 with a victory over ASU. Seeing each team’s trajectory, what do you think happens in this game?

More from Go Joe Bruin

ZZ: I think it will be close, it will come down to foul trouble and which team can execute down the stretch. Also which team has more confidence and won’t give up. The referee’s can help make the game more even, I hope they don’t purposely make calls to make the game more exciting. I think there is a possibility for either coach to lose their cool, but after Arizona’s rivalry away game, I think it was a great lesson for Miller and he will keep his cool for the most part.

Be worried if he takes his jacket off, then puts it back on. I wouldn’t be surprised if they game went into overtime, but I think Arizona will pull out a win, it won’t come easy though. This is the Pac-12, anything can happen. Promise us when ASU comes to Pauley, you will have Hurley’s pouty face from our game.

GJB: WILL DO!

Next: The UCLA Basketball All-Time Team

Thank you very much to Shareen Rayan. You can check her out on Twitter (@Sportscrazee) and at ZonaZealots.com for everything Arizona related.