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UCLA continues to defy all odds and logic and find ways to win. They have done it all season. Texas A&M was an extremely tough match up for the Bruins. The Aggies gave UCLA all it wanted last year in the Wooden Classic, this game was no different. Both teams missed shots, the officials allowed both teams to play and it was an ugly, rugged and hard to watch. Good things Darren Collison and Kevin Love decided to show up. This game follows a trend the Bruins have exhibited the last three years, blowout in the first round, a nail-biter in game two. If form holds they'll win comfortably on Thursday and find a way to beat either Xavier or West Virginia in the Elite Eight.
Coach Howland will iron out some wrinkles this week. I cannot emphasize enough how tough a match up A&M's front line was for UCLA. Don't sell the Aggies short, they were a top 10 ranked team earlier in the season for a reason - they are long, athletic and very tough on defense - especially with only one day to prepare. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute was ineffective due to his ankle injury and Josh Shipp continued to struggle. Surviving and advancing is all that is required in March. UCLA exhaled a huge sigh of relief, now the tournament begins.
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