Showing posts with label UCLA Bruins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UCLA Bruins. Show all posts
Bracket Picks
Of course, I'll make a bracket even though my Bruins (UCLA) and Anteaters (UCI) aren't in it!
Have Kansas winning the whole thing.
KU, UNC, Mich St in the Final Four with Texas A&M as the long shot.
First round upset winners: VCU, Michigan, So. Dakota St., and Iona.
Sports Roundup - Final Four
Well, UCLA got to the Sweet 16 but Gonzaga was too much for them.
Anteaters got to the last possession and a no call finished them.
Thus, as a fan of both programs, they got farther than I could have hoped.
In the end, the big upsets were in the first round but that was pretty much it. By the end of the first weekend, only UCLA was a double-digit seed still playing. And by the Final Four, it was three one-seeds (Duke, Wisconsin, Kentucky) and one seven (Michigan State). For all the talk of parity, it really still does come down big names from the big conferences that make the Final Four.
Went back to the history books:
If you look at the last 10 years (2006 to 2015), how many "surprise" teams made the Final Four?
2006 George Mason (Colonial, 11 seed)
2010 Butler (Horizon, 5 seed)
2011 Butler (Horizon, 8 seed)
2011 VCU (Colonial, 11 seed)
2013 Wichita State (Missouri Valley, 9 seed)
5 out of 40 spots (87.5%) in the Final Four of the last 10 years came from outside the big conferences. The rest went to big conferences teams often teams with a history of doing well. On might argue that some big conference teams with a 7 or 8 seed is a surprise team. But in the era of one-and-done players and teams less likely to have seniors, a talent laden 7/8 seed from a big conference finally getting its act together doesn't count as a true surprise team.
Anyway, who wins tonight?
Duke or Wisconsin?
Wisconsin has an experience advantage over Duke that relies on more freshman talent.
Wisconsin has defeated UNC/Arizona/Kentucky to get to the finals while Duke's only top seed (1-4) opponent was Gonzaga.
On the other hand, Duke probably has more future NBA talent on the team and Coach K on their side of the court. Not to say Bo Ryan isn't a good coach but Coach K has been on the big stage number of times.
So its clearly a toss up game.
If Wisconsin gets to run its deliberate offense (71.9 pts/game) then they win. If Duke can get the scoring higher (80.6 pts/game) then they win.
My guess:
Wisconsin 69 Duke 68.
UPDATE: Hats off to Duke for the win 68-63. Wisconsin slowed the game down as they wanted but in the end Duke guard play delivered big in the second half and their defense forced Wisconsin into bad shots.
Anteaters got to the last possession and a no call finished them.
Thus, as a fan of both programs, they got farther than I could have hoped.
In the end, the big upsets were in the first round but that was pretty much it. By the end of the first weekend, only UCLA was a double-digit seed still playing. And by the Final Four, it was three one-seeds (Duke, Wisconsin, Kentucky) and one seven (Michigan State). For all the talk of parity, it really still does come down big names from the big conferences that make the Final Four.
Went back to the history books:
If you look at the last 10 years (2006 to 2015), how many "surprise" teams made the Final Four?
2006 George Mason (Colonial, 11 seed)
2010 Butler (Horizon, 5 seed)
2011 Butler (Horizon, 8 seed)
2011 VCU (Colonial, 11 seed)
2013 Wichita State (Missouri Valley, 9 seed)
5 out of 40 spots (87.5%) in the Final Four of the last 10 years came from outside the big conferences. The rest went to big conferences teams often teams with a history of doing well. On might argue that some big conference teams with a 7 or 8 seed is a surprise team. But in the era of one-and-done players and teams less likely to have seniors, a talent laden 7/8 seed from a big conference finally getting its act together doesn't count as a true surprise team.
Anyway, who wins tonight?
Duke or Wisconsin?
Wisconsin has an experience advantage over Duke that relies on more freshman talent.
Wisconsin has defeated UNC/Arizona/Kentucky to get to the finals while Duke's only top seed (1-4) opponent was Gonzaga.
On the other hand, Duke probably has more future NBA talent on the team and Coach K on their side of the court. Not to say Bo Ryan isn't a good coach but Coach K has been on the big stage number of times.
So its clearly a toss up game.
If Wisconsin gets to run its deliberate offense (71.9 pts/game) then they win. If Duke can get the scoring higher (80.6 pts/game) then they win.
My guess:
Wisconsin 69 Duke 68.
UPDATE: Hats off to Duke for the win 68-63. Wisconsin slowed the game down as they wanted but in the end Duke guard play delivered big in the second half and their defense forced Wisconsin into bad shots.
Let's go Bruins!
With the loss to Arizona in the semi-finals, I figured UCLA was NIT-bound. But the NCAA committee figured their strength-of-schedule and the "eye" test said they were good enough to get in.
Armed with an 11-seed and a Looney getting used to the face-mask, I thought it would be 50-50 they could sneak past SMU. And indeed, it came down to the final minute and a controversial call to put UCLA over the top.
UCLA was expected to beat UAB and indeed, UCLA pounded it inside and UAB never got closer than six after UCLA established the lead.
Now, it is a rematch against Gonzaga.
Gonzaga easily won the first time they met this year in the non-conference part of the season. They will undoubtedly be favored again. They have a strong inside-outside game and stopping both will be difficult. Coach Alford may have to pick his poison and either collapse in on Gonzaga's bigs and hope the outside shooting is off. On the other hand, they can go out on the shooters but risk getting torn up inside. UCLA essentially made UAB pay for guarding the outside shooters leaving Parker to rampage inside. UCLA could be on the opposite side of the same deal.
UCLA's bench is Welch, Goloman and Allen. Welch and Goloman might be key to rotating with Parker and Looney in covering Gonzaga's front line. Powell, Alford, Hamilton and Allen will have their hands full chasing Gonzaga's shooters. All eight UCLA players will have to be at their best to even have a shot at taking Gonzaga to the final minutes where anything could happen.
Will it be high drama as it was back in 2006?
Armed with an 11-seed and a Looney getting used to the face-mask, I thought it would be 50-50 they could sneak past SMU. And indeed, it came down to the final minute and a controversial call to put UCLA over the top.
UCLA was expected to beat UAB and indeed, UCLA pounded it inside and UAB never got closer than six after UCLA established the lead.
Now, it is a rematch against Gonzaga.
Gonzaga easily won the first time they met this year in the non-conference part of the season. They will undoubtedly be favored again. They have a strong inside-outside game and stopping both will be difficult. Coach Alford may have to pick his poison and either collapse in on Gonzaga's bigs and hope the outside shooting is off. On the other hand, they can go out on the shooters but risk getting torn up inside. UCLA essentially made UAB pay for guarding the outside shooters leaving Parker to rampage inside. UCLA could be on the opposite side of the same deal.
UCLA's bench is Welch, Goloman and Allen. Welch and Goloman might be key to rotating with Parker and Looney in covering Gonzaga's front line. Powell, Alford, Hamilton and Allen will have their hands full chasing Gonzaga's shooters. All eight UCLA players will have to be at their best to even have a shot at taking Gonzaga to the final minutes where anything could happen.
Will it be high drama as it was back in 2006?
So Cal Sports Round-Up
Can the LA Kings make a run at defending their Stanley Cup title?
The first step is getting into the playoffs. At the moment, the Kings are on the edge of qualifying for the playoffs fighting for that last spot in the wildcard. There are still around 20 games to go so fans will watch the movement both up or down in the standings will mean whether they get in or out of the playoffs.
On the LA King's site there is a wonderful collection of videos that chronicled their dramatic playoff run in the 2013-2014 season. Seeing those videos vividly highlight the grit and determination needed to win a championship. Am figuring with this team, they can pull it together to make the playoffs. Just hope they can stay healthy enough to get that shot at defending the Cup as the many rounds of the playoffs will take its toll on any team.
Meanwhile, what about UCLA basketball?
In ESPN bracketology, UCLA is listed in the "last four in" group. Upsetting Arizona would be a big plus for their case but that might be asking a lot to beat the Wildcats on their home court. UCLA definitely has to beat the two Washington schools and USC. A run to the finals of the Pac12 tournament would help and even then they could wind up a bubble burst.
The team has gotten better but they have little margin for error as the starting five plays the lion's share of the minutes and score almost all the points. If one or two get into foul trouble or an injury were to occur, they would be out of options as all their games from here on out are pretty much all must win.
The first step is getting into the playoffs. At the moment, the Kings are on the edge of qualifying for the playoffs fighting for that last spot in the wildcard. There are still around 20 games to go so fans will watch the movement both up or down in the standings will mean whether they get in or out of the playoffs.
On the LA King's site there is a wonderful collection of videos that chronicled their dramatic playoff run in the 2013-2014 season. Seeing those videos vividly highlight the grit and determination needed to win a championship. Am figuring with this team, they can pull it together to make the playoffs. Just hope they can stay healthy enough to get that shot at defending the Cup as the many rounds of the playoffs will take its toll on any team.
Meanwhile, what about UCLA basketball?
In ESPN bracketology, UCLA is listed in the "last four in" group. Upsetting Arizona would be a big plus for their case but that might be asking a lot to beat the Wildcats on their home court. UCLA definitely has to beat the two Washington schools and USC. A run to the finals of the Pac12 tournament would help and even then they could wind up a bubble burst.
The team has gotten better but they have little margin for error as the starting five plays the lion's share of the minutes and score almost all the points. If one or two get into foul trouble or an injury were to occur, they would be out of options as all their games from here on out are pretty much all must win.
UCLA 86 Stanford 81 (2OT)
Bruin Blue and Gold!
On one hand, anytime the team gets a win, especially a gutty come from behind win, you got to feel good for the team!
On the other hand, it is an indication of where the season is going when this win broke a five-game losing streak!
Coach Alford is on the hot seat. It was understood that he will need a few years to turn things around if all goes well, especially, in light of the NBA departures last year. However, I don't think people expected the team to have fared so poorly in some of the losses this season. Would a 0.500 record be about right for the Pac12 season?
I think they may have the talent to do a little better than that. The key is for the unit to pull together especially in close games in hostile road environments.
On one hand, anytime the team gets a win, especially a gutty come from behind win, you got to feel good for the team!
On the other hand, it is an indication of where the season is going when this win broke a five-game losing streak!
Coach Alford is on the hot seat. It was understood that he will need a few years to turn things around if all goes well, especially, in light of the NBA departures last year. However, I don't think people expected the team to have fared so poorly in some of the losses this season. Would a 0.500 record be about right for the Pac12 season?
I think they may have the talent to do a little better than that. The key is for the unit to pull together especially in close games in hostile road environments.
Sports Blogging in Red and Blue
Am hoping to blog a bit more in 2015.
What will be on tap?
In Blue:
Dodger Blue - the new ownership group has taken big steps to remake the Dodgers according to their plans. The off-season house cleaning has been dramatic with Ned Colletti who built the previous team moved out of the GM spot. The new brain trust, Farhan Zaidi and Andrew Friedman, has shipped off many pieces from the previous season's line-up. So look for blog posts on the upcoming season as the Dodgers continue to strive to return to the mountaintop they haven't been to since 1988.
It is time for new World Series dramatic moments involving the Dodgers!
UCLA Bruin Blue - UCLA Men's Basketball is in for a rough season as they lost almost all of last season's starting line-up to early departures to the NBA and graduation. Nonetheless, will be keeping tabs on their progress with realistic expectations. I think finishing fourth in the Pac12 would be quite a feat with their diminished rooster. Alford's job should be safe as most college coaches get about three years to complete the transition.
One of the pivotal moments of the 1995 run to the title was the last second victory in round two. Not going to get to the finals this year, but hopefully, the team will continue to build to a return to the top.
I went to UC Irvine for graduate school and so I keep an eye on the men's basketball team. They have yet to make it to the NCAA. The only ticket is winning the Big West post-season tournament. They have been to the final game a few times but have come up short.
As for UCLA Football, the rumor mill is whether Coach Mora will be seriously considered for the SF 49ers opening. Mora turned aside last year's speculation that he would take the U of Washington job. We shall see what the mood is around the team and the coach as they head into the Alamo Bowl on Jan 2. Anticipate a high-scoring game: UCLA 38 KSU 35.
UPDATE: What a wild game! Final score: UCLA 40 KSU 35.
Though Hundley was the biggest key to UCLA's success this season, it was his backup, Jerry Neuheisel, coming in for an injured Hundley that probably provided the most memorable victory of the season.
In Red, White, and Blue
Like many US sports fans, hadn't taken to soccer much until the 2010 US World Cup effort. The dramatic goal by Landon Donovan sealed it for me and has made me into a fan of the sport.
The historic goal:
The emotional reaction:
Anyway, US Men's national team (USMNT) will continue to hopefully develop the new talents that will build on what Donovan and his generation established. Also, this year is the Women's World Cup where team USA (USWNT) is expected to do well.
In Blue
The LA Galaxy's away colors are blue. It will be a year of transition for them as Landon Donovan has retired. Since I started following them as a result of the 2010 World Cup, they have taken three MLS Cups. Am looking for them to be competitive in the 2015 season as they defend their 2014 MLS Championship.
In Red
Continuing the soccer theme, I have adopted an English Premier League team to follow: go Liverpool! They remind me of the Dodgers. Liverpool FC is a club with a rich history of great successes but recent struggles with occasional moments of near greatness. With the departure of Luis Suarez (31 goals) and injury to Daniel Sturridge (21 goals) from 2013-2014 campaign (the tandem accounted for 52 of the teams 101 goals), Liverpool has struggled thus far in the 2014-2015 season.
Below is a fan video of the Liverpool supporters singing You'll Never Walk Alone before what would turn out to be a crushing defeat at the hands of Chelsea on April 27, 2014.
In other colors
LA Kings (black, white, aluminum) have won the Stanley Cup two of the last three years. The NHL season is a real grind and it is hard to repeat. The Kings have had injuries and have Voynov has been suspended indefinitely due to pending criminal case against him.
LA Lakers (purple, gold, white) have pretty much fallen apart. Kobe is the only true star in the group and the rest are B+/B-level role players of which most would probably not be on the starting line-up of other teams. But in the end, they are professionals with pride and will play with heart even in losing efforts. It is really weird after so many years of watching them as the favorites to now seeing them as underdog on most nights in the NBA schedule.
What will be on tap?
In Blue:
Dodger Blue - the new ownership group has taken big steps to remake the Dodgers according to their plans. The off-season house cleaning has been dramatic with Ned Colletti who built the previous team moved out of the GM spot. The new brain trust, Farhan Zaidi and Andrew Friedman, has shipped off many pieces from the previous season's line-up. So look for blog posts on the upcoming season as the Dodgers continue to strive to return to the mountaintop they haven't been to since 1988.
It is time for new World Series dramatic moments involving the Dodgers!
UCLA Bruin Blue - UCLA Men's Basketball is in for a rough season as they lost almost all of last season's starting line-up to early departures to the NBA and graduation. Nonetheless, will be keeping tabs on their progress with realistic expectations. I think finishing fourth in the Pac12 would be quite a feat with their diminished rooster. Alford's job should be safe as most college coaches get about three years to complete the transition.
One of the pivotal moments of the 1995 run to the title was the last second victory in round two. Not going to get to the finals this year, but hopefully, the team will continue to build to a return to the top.
I went to UC Irvine for graduate school and so I keep an eye on the men's basketball team. They have yet to make it to the NCAA. The only ticket is winning the Big West post-season tournament. They have been to the final game a few times but have come up short.
As for UCLA Football, the rumor mill is whether Coach Mora will be seriously considered for the SF 49ers opening. Mora turned aside last year's speculation that he would take the U of Washington job. We shall see what the mood is around the team and the coach as they head into the Alamo Bowl on Jan 2. Anticipate a high-scoring game: UCLA 38 KSU 35.
UPDATE: What a wild game! Final score: UCLA 40 KSU 35.
Though Hundley was the biggest key to UCLA's success this season, it was his backup, Jerry Neuheisel, coming in for an injured Hundley that probably provided the most memorable victory of the season.
In Red, White, and Blue
Like many US sports fans, hadn't taken to soccer much until the 2010 US World Cup effort. The dramatic goal by Landon Donovan sealed it for me and has made me into a fan of the sport.
The historic goal:
The emotional reaction:
Anyway, US Men's national team (USMNT) will continue to hopefully develop the new talents that will build on what Donovan and his generation established. Also, this year is the Women's World Cup where team USA (USWNT) is expected to do well.
In Blue
The LA Galaxy's away colors are blue. It will be a year of transition for them as Landon Donovan has retired. Since I started following them as a result of the 2010 World Cup, they have taken three MLS Cups. Am looking for them to be competitive in the 2015 season as they defend their 2014 MLS Championship.
In Red
Continuing the soccer theme, I have adopted an English Premier League team to follow: go Liverpool! They remind me of the Dodgers. Liverpool FC is a club with a rich history of great successes but recent struggles with occasional moments of near greatness. With the departure of Luis Suarez (31 goals) and injury to Daniel Sturridge (21 goals) from 2013-2014 campaign (the tandem accounted for 52 of the teams 101 goals), Liverpool has struggled thus far in the 2014-2015 season.
Below is a fan video of the Liverpool supporters singing You'll Never Walk Alone before what would turn out to be a crushing defeat at the hands of Chelsea on April 27, 2014.
In other colors
LA Kings (black, white, aluminum) have won the Stanley Cup two of the last three years. The NHL season is a real grind and it is hard to repeat. The Kings have had injuries and have Voynov has been suspended indefinitely due to pending criminal case against him.
LA Lakers (purple, gold, white) have pretty much fallen apart. Kobe is the only true star in the group and the rest are B+/B-level role players of which most would probably not be on the starting line-up of other teams. But in the end, they are professionals with pride and will play with heart even in losing efforts. It is really weird after so many years of watching them as the favorites to now seeing them as underdog on most nights in the NBA schedule.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)