First the Bruins managed to pull another win after a trademark slow start against Western Kentucky. Blowing a 21 point lead, the UCLA guards were particularly ineffective against WKU’s press. In fact, they were just horrible in the 2nd half, repeatedly were pressured to throwing the ball away. The team finally managed to turn in a great end-to-end game against Xavier on Saturday. UCLA simply dominated Xavier to win the west regional and advance to the final four, 3rd straight time.

All #1 seeds made it which is a rarity. Now the real fun begins. At this level of competition, UCLA cannot afford an incomplete game. Any of these final four teams will punish a lackluster effort. UCLA will face Memphis in the semi-final. I’d rank Memphis as the best team in the country. They finished the season with a near perfect record (only 1 loss). The team is big, athletic and deep. UCLA’s defense which has been great all year long, will be key. And UCLA’s Collison will need to command the offense efficiently and open up the floor with his drives.

Let’s bring it on…