UCLA Basketball: Previewing The Gators

Mar 21, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward/center Tony Parker (23) takes the ball away from Tulsa Golden Hurricane forward D

If there is one school, aside from USC, that should make Bruin fans squirm just from hearing the name, it’s the University of Florida. The Gators have been brutal to UCLA in years past as it pertains to the NCAA Tournament. Florida beat the Bruins 73-57 in the 2006 finals, beat the Bruins 76-66 in the 2007 Final Four, and finally beat the Bruins again in the 2011 second round by a score of 73-65. Of course, you know what they say; it’s “Fourth times the charm”, right? Nope, but the Bruins had better hope so and play like so if they want to get sweet revenge in the sweet sixteen.

The prime match-up which is set to tip at 6:45 Pacific Time features one of the best defensive squads in the country in the Gators, and the Bruins high octane offense. It’s commonly said that defense wins championships, but UCLA already disproved that notion, as far is Pac-12 Championships go. After knocking off a top defensive team, being Arizona, UCLA showed it has the talent to compete with the “Best of The West”, but does the same go for the best in the nation?

Quite simply this game is going to come down to passion. Florida has the capacity and firepower to do damage down low, but at the same time, UCLA can stretch the floor with both their fast-break offense, and the Wear twins ability to shoot the three-ball. If the Gators want it more, and they cover the Bruins tightly and force turnovers, it’ll be their game to lose. As for the Bruins, if they can get some much needed emphatic and intense production from Tony Parker, this game will be a good one. His ability to protect the rim and go up for rebounds will be crucial if the Bruins hope to continue playing basketball after this game. At times Parker is just short of where he needs to be; be it not jumping high enough, not finishing, or getting in foul trouble. Other times, though, Parker is nothing short of brilliant — and it is the latter description that needs to show up.

Moreover, the Bruins need to continue to move the ball from side to side, further stretching the floor and putting Kyle Anderson and Jordan Adams in isolation situations. Both prosper in isolation, Anderson due to his length and ability to drive — not to mention see the floor and collapse defenses only to find the open man, and Adams because of his beautiful shooting and spot on passing.

X-FACTORS:

UCLA: Guard, Zach LaVine

LaVaine has flourished when it comes to hitting hard shots and energizing the team with his brilliant dunks, but he has faltered as of late. Poor shot selection, poor decision making, and overall poor performance has hindered the Bruins. If LaVine, the freshman guard, plays his “A” game, UCLA’s bench production will be a whole new story.

Florida: Guard, Kasey Hill

Hill Logged 24 minutes in the Gators previous game against Pittsburgh, but only logged three points, two rebounds, and two assists. Though contributing defensively — and, mind you, Florida is a defensively minded team — his two steals will not be enough to take down the Bruins. Though he only averages 5.6 points per game, if he’s going to give the Gators another 24 minutes, UFL is going to need more production from the 6’1 guard.

Best outcome:

Bruins win 68-64.

Worst outcome:

Bruins lose 72-58

Most likely outcome:

Bruins lose 62-59

Keep an eye on UCLA coach Steve Alford, and pay attention to how he handles one of the biggest games of his career. More to come here at Go Joe Bruin, so check back periodically for info and updates.

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