The UCLA basketball season gets really interesting really quickly as the #2 Bruins host the #4 Villanova Wildcats tonight at Pauley Pavilion. This evening’s game is an 8:30 pm PT tip-off giving the Bruins a definite advantage since the Wildcats opened the season at home on Tuesday and had to fly cross-country with little time to adjust to the time difference. This is definitely the marquee matchup of the first week of the college basketball season.
Last season, Jay Wright’s squad finished the season with a 18-6 record. In the NCAA Tournament, the Wildcats made it to the Sweet Sixteen before falling to eventual National Champion Baylor. Villanova is returning four starters from last year’s team which won the Big East Championship.
So, Wright is bringing an experienced squad with him to Pauley. Tonight’s game will not be an easy one for the Bruins.
Look for Villanova to play two guards and three forwards. In Tuesday’s game against Mount St. Mary’s, junior guard Justin Moore led the Wildcats with 27 points while forwards Brandon Slater and Jermaine Samuels each contributed 17 points. Redshirt sophomore Eric Dixon and grad student Collin Gillespie round out the starting five. The bench only contribute 10 points for the game the other day.
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Love seeing kids lined up for the den since early am. Yes UCLA is back!
Still weird seeing Buffer at UCLA games
Let's go, Bruins!!
Nice look, Jules, and great layup, Johnny!!
Can't flop like that LOL
Jaime!!!
Nova with open looks can’t settle down. We are plain quicker
They just cleared the lane nicely for their PG to go 1 on 1 with Tyger; we need to help Tyger out if he's in the post
Hopefully our 3s start dropping.
Keep up the pressure Bruins
Both teams a lot of experience but can’t settle down. The LA game hype got to them.
Sell out crowd. Most of still waiting to get into Pauley
Call that foul!!
Great D by our boys!
Clark!!
Jules for the 3!!
JB for 3! Smooth
Great focus
Team ready
Love our effort out there!
Just sayin would be fine if Walton left his seat and took the mic. This game is made for him.
Can't call him big red anymore..looks like big grey now
We may be a lil tentative on some of our shots, but our D is on point so far!! Let's go, Bruins!!
Who knew Bruins could play defense??
Sweet 3, Singleton!
And again!!!
Nova 2 is extending his arm too much on offense... I'd like to see him get called for it
Going to miss Riley tonight. This is a pound it down low game.
Totally agree. Hopefully everyone else can step up.
Singleton ready for primetime
Singleton best 8 man in country
Damn, Watson, you continue to impress!
It was said in another thread, but bares repeating that Cronin continues dressing for the game the right way-- atta way to represent!
especially on national tv. Wright should be ashamed of himself.
Early in season but this game means something. Establish our rank. Take note Chip Kelly
Don't think that counted...
To many turnivers....need to take better care of the ball
Tyger!!
We're starting to tick on offense now :-)
Tough game
Must force some TO's
Yes they are good but our freshmen look like freshmen. There is some experience on the floor tonight
Nova also getting going on offense. Need ton clamp down.
Not many fouls yet..i like it
Not many wearing masks inside Pauley
Too much one on one on offense right now.
Juzang is off. Need him to step up on O
We need to take a breath and regain control
How did we have 2 players still coming down the court when they shot?? Bad look -_-
We are missing Riley
Juzang is pressing. Hopefully he settles down, as we are going to need him to make some shots.
We need the freshman to step up
Dammit
Flop!
sold it well
Reward it and they will keep doing it.
3 on Moore!! Sweet!
Officiated like we’re playing on the road.