Today's game at Pauley Pavilion is not only the final home game of the season for the UCLA Bruins, but is also a battle for first place in the Pac-10 Conference, as the 12-3 Arizona Wildcats battle the Bruins. UCLA lost 85-74 to Arizona in their first matchup this season, on January 27 in Tucson. Here is a look at today's game, from fans of both schools.
Bruins Nation laments the loss of "Old Pauley," as Pauley Pavilion will undergo renovations this summer, while also previewing today's game:
Of course, the realist will point out that it is hard for us to win the title as we go to Washington next week and Arizona plays the Oregon Schools at home.
But for today it is all about first place. This game may come down to a few simple things. The UCLA team of five players vs. the Arizona superstar Derrick Williams. Can the top UCLA five stay on the floor because for while Arizona has the best player they also have the better bench. But most of all how many minutes of "Ben Ball style" defense will UCLA play. For that is how USC beat them Thursday night
Meanwhile, Arizona Desert Swarm said their star forward Derrick Williams was "exposed" in Thursday's loss to USC:
Williams was held scoreless for the first 14:42 of the contest and lacked any type of rhythm or aggressiveness. The nation's leader in free throw attempts didn't make his first trip to the charity stripe until there was only 7:20 left in the game. They were the only two free throws he would shoot all night.
D-Will was a ghost offensively, and he disappeared in crunch time. He had a chance to cut USC's four-point lead to one as he hoisted a three with 16 seconds left. The shot fell short, symbolizing Williams' underwhelming night.
Today's 1 p.m. PST game will be televised by Prime Ticket, with Steve Physioc and Marques Johnson on the call.
For more information on today's game, be sure to read Bruins Nation.