Let the Games Begin!

Another great game, especially without Luc and with Kevin's back spasms.  Collison is a god.  Keefe is just beginning to show his All-American pedigree.

And I have to note that Stanford has the classiest players that I've seen in a long time.  I don't think I've ever seen an opposing team go out of their way trying to help their opponents up off their floor each time that somebody got knocked down or hurt.

I hope that both UCLA and Stanford make it to San Antonio!

This team amazes me. They have extraordinary energy and vast talent, and every game is like a tornado. No matter what the problems or however many the mistakes, they find a way to win. They have to be 4-1 to win the whole shebang.

 jafco

PS: Stanford guys ARE classy. After all, I was one. ;)

PPS: 4 PAC10 teams in the Sweet 16, 2 or 3 in the Elite 8. UCLA at the end (get well guys, the fakeouts in today's game will be noted by the opposition!)

Once again UCLA shows it's resiliency to be able to come out in a big game and with injuries to key players, be able to plug in others to get the victory.  When UCLA needed to get back in the game, it was their defensive prowess that showed.  Coach Howland is another wizard. Hopefully everyone will have time to heal their wounds and be ready for the big dance.  I too am impressed with the way the Stanford players carry themselves on and off the court.  Real Class for sure.  Good luck to UCLA and Stanford. <o:p> </o:p>

P.S.,  Coach Wooden get better so we can she your delightful face on TV during the bid tournament we are praying for you for a quick and complete recovery and we love you!!!

From a life long UCLA FAN (from the 1960's) and Coach wooden admirer.

Scan, I agree.  Considering the losses by Tennessee and Duke and the very close call by UNC against a much weaker team, a team like Stanford (and maybe WSU?) could go very far in the dance because they've been so battle tested throughout the Pac-10 regular season and tournament.  Could the Pac-10 end up with three of the Elite 8?  Or is that just wishful thinking?

Also, I hadn't thought of it before one of the announcers said it the other day but it's pretty amazing how Collison can turn on the afterburners whenever Love is having a bad game.  Of course, I wish that they both could simply score 20+ points in every game to avoid any doubt... 

Westbrook's ability to stay focussed and contribute as he has so many other games is also important.  But I'm still concerned about Shipp not being a go-to guy that the team can lean on if needed.  You can tell that he still second-guesses himself and hesitates to pull the trigger, sometimes even inside the lane.  With a rotation of Keefe, Aboya, Mata-Real, and (hopefully) Mbah a Moute as the fifth man, UCLA really needs a solid fourth guy.  I hope that Shipp doesn't let us down as we get deeper in the tournament.

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