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For a while, it looked like the lingering effects of the dismal Emerald Bowl were restraining the Basketball Bruins. They allowed the unranked Washington State Cougars, previously 0-24 against top-ranked teams, to build a double-digit lead IN Pauley Pavilion.
The Cougars were playing well, especially on the Defensive end, holding the Bruins to 28% shooting early. It soon became apparent that the Cougars were going to stick around for the duration, which was no surprise -- 3 of the last 4 games between these 2 teams have been decided by 3 or less points. But UCLA has won all 4, as well as 49 of 50 in L.A.
But in the first half, Darren Collison was in foul trouble, picking up three personals while not scoing a single point. Although Russell Westbrook played well in Darren's place, the Bruins definitely suffered from the absence of Collison's leadership and overall production.
In the second half, Collison started on the bench, but when he finally got in, he really kicked it up a notch, scoring 13 quick points. In cruchtime, he hit a huge, ballsy three that set the tone for the game's final minutes. It put the Bruins in the Driver's Seat, and the Cougars on the Defensive.
Josh Shipp also had a huge bucket, after tearing a rebound away from an opponent. Arron Afflalo made two free throws with 6 seconds left to force the Cougars to take a wild three to try to tie it up. On that final play, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute's long-armed Defense wouldn't allow a clean look, so the Bruins hung on...to the game, and to their #1 ranking...for a few days. On Sunday, the Bruins host the #14 Washington Huskies. The Huskies whipped Big Baby and LSU last week, and although they choked in Double OT to troy last night, they will still give UCLA all they can handle.
The Huskies are led by 7-foot phenom Spencer Hawes, who should probably get the ball on every single possession. The Bruins are going to have to be keen with their double-teams and weakside help, or they will not be as successful as sc was. And remember -- The Huskies were undoubtedly LOOKING AHEAD, past usc, to their match-up with the #1 Bruins, so UCLA figures to get a much more focused effort from Lorenzo Romar's troops. His Assistant, ex-Bruin Cameron Dollar, will make sure of it.
Below are 8 game and cheer photos once again sent in to us from bruincivil. Luckily, he always seems to point his camera the same place we would...
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