A So-Cal Showdown

Pre-Game

The # 19 UCLA Bruins (21-7) travel just a little ways down the road to take on the California Golden Bears (21-7). Both teams are 10-5 in Pac 10 play and both are looking for a seed to plant in the NCAA Tournament come March.  

The Bruins have dropped three out of their last five. Meanwhile, the GOlden Bears are on a role winning five out of their last six. Nonetheless, this has been a questionable season for Ben Howland's Bruins. For a coach that has won three straight Pac 10 titles and go to three straight Final Fours, it does not look promising this season as the Bruin team has loss to the likes of: Michigan, Texas, Arizona State-twice, Washington, Arizona, and Washington State.  

The Bruins are missing a true scorer in the paint. Kevin Love, who is currently making $3.6 million to play for the "disgraceful" Minnesota Timberwolves (18-39), has been the biggest loss UCLA has had in years. Nevertheless, UCLA needs a win over California Saturday night to solidify themselves for a 3,4, or 5 seed come the month of madness. If the Bruins drop one at Hass Pavillion, it could be a devastating end to the Bruins mediocre season.  

UCLA is led by Senior Point Guard Darren Collison (14 ppg and 4 apg). On the other side of the court, two prolific Pac 10 guards will try to handle the Bruin point guard. The Golden Bears are led by a couple of juniors, Jerome Randle and Patrick Christopher. The two are averaging 32 points per game along with six rebounds and seven assist a game. Randle has scored 20 points or more in 13 games this season. Coach Howland's defense will need to step up if they have a chance at these two quick, experienced, and talented guards.  

California is coming off an overtime win versus the University of Southern California (USC) 81-78. The Golden Bears are looking to plant a seed of their own in the bracket of 65. California has key wins over Arizona State, UNLV, Utah, and Arizona. ESPN's Joe Lunardi has the Bears as a 6 seed right now but that surely could improve if they win Saturday.  

The first matchup between these two teams was not even close in the "other" Pavillion, Pauley Pavillion that is. UCLA won the game 81-66. Though Darren Collison had one of his best showings and presented that he is a true first round NBA draft pick with 18 points and 5 assist, the Cal Bears will need to pressure the offense of UCLA and score often.  

MY PICK: (DUH BEARS) California Golden Bears