Cougar Town? No, This Is Westwood! – Washington State Vs UCLA Game Information and Preview
After a blowout win against Washington, the UCLA Bruins look to continue their home court defense as the Husky’s in-state rivals, the Washington State Cougars, visit Pauley Pavilion on Sunday. The Bruins had a tough start to their conference season, but because of that, get an easy end as they play the three worst teams in the Pac-12 in their final three regular season games, all of which are at home. The first step was beating Washington, now UCLA looks to taking down the Cougars.
UCLA Bruins
Records:
Washington State Cougars (12-15, 6-9)
UCLA Bruins (17-12, 9-7)
Tip-Off: 8:00 p.m. PT
Location: Pauley Pavilion, Los Angeles, CA
Capacity – 13,800
Tickets: UCLABruins.com
TV: Fox Sports 1
Radio: KLAC AM 570 (Los Angeles)
On-line: TuneIn
Betting Line: TBD
Projected Starting Line-ups:
Washington State – DaVonte Lacy, Dexter Kernich-Drew, Ike Iroegbu, Josh Hawkinson, Jordan Railey
UCLA – Bryce Alford, Norman Powell, Isaac Hamilton, Kevon Looney, Tony Parker
Feb 11, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Kevon Looney (5) dunks in the first half of the game against the Oregon State Beavers at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Preview: Okay, really? It is Washington State. Yet before I get all pompous about UCLA basketball, let me remind you that the lone UCLA-Washingotn State game last season ended in a loss for the Bruins… and thusly, UCLA fan base went into meltdown. What they did not realize is that it was the last game of the season and UCLA had locked up 2nd place no matter what happened in that game. So calm down everyone!
But this is not last season and this game is at Pauley Pavilion and not Beasley Coliseum. That is the single most important issue concerning the Bruin’s Sunday evening showdown with the Cougars… this game will be played in the Bruin’s Den. A place the Bruins have not lost in conference play.
For whatever reason, UCLA plays like a Top 10 team at home and plays like, well, Washington State when they go on the road. Luckily the Bruins are at home against Washington State, which means a big home court advantage.
The thing is, the Cougars are not very good. Even though they are doing slightly better than last season under new coach Ernie Kent as they have won two more games with three remaining and at least one game in the Pac-12 Tournament. Technically they are doing better, but small improvements as a Pac-12 bottom-feeder is not that big of an improvement. The Cougars are either last or second to lasting in conference in a majority of statistics. Though UCLA is far from elite themselves, they are doing a hell of a job on their terms.
Feb 22, 2015; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars head coach Ernie Kent talks with Washington State Cougars guard Ike Iroegbu (0) during a game against the Washington Huskies during the first half at Wallis Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
“Hey, hey, you’re doing, um, goooooood!”
For one thing, the Bruins are one of the best rebounding teams in the country behind Kevon Looney (9.4) and Tony Parker (6.7) pulling down a collective 38.9 per game, which also leads the conference. UCLA also has ferocious senior Norman Powell who has seemingly come alive n the last few games, especially with his mix of highlight dunks. Is someone maybe looking to improve his draft stock?
For the Bruin’s sake, I hope so.
Bold Predictions:
- Looney will return to double-double form with 15 points and 16 rebounds.
- Parker will get his career high in points against WSU.
- Powell will have no less than three Sports Center-worthy dunks.
Score Prediction: Washington State 53 – UCLA 80