LAS VEGAS â Doesnât take a whole lot of analytics to figure out what one of the big issues will be tonight in the Arizona-UCLA rubber match.
On Jan. 21 at Pauley Pavilion, UA outrebounded the Bruins 42-33 and scored 24 second-chance points off 12 offensive rebounds. The Wildcats won 96-85.
On Feb. 25 at McKale Center, UCLA outrebounded UA 35-28 overall and scored 20 second-chance points off 14 offensive rebounds. The Bruins won 77-72.
âRebounding is a big key,â said UCLA guard Bryce Alford, who picked up six rebounds at McKale. âThey have a very talented, physical front line and our bigs are gonna have to do a good job on the glass, and our guards are because they also have really physical guards.
âIâm sure that will be a key to the game. We know that going in.â
Doesnât look like Arizona will catch a break with T.J. Leafâs ankle issue, either. The freshman forward, who grabbed seven rebounds at McKale, returned Thursday after spraining his ankle on March 1 against Washington. He had 14 points and six rebounds against USC on Thursday.
âI felt great,â Leaf said after Thursdayâs game. âIâve gotta get in and get some ice on it, get some rest. But I felt good out there.â
The Bruins survived Thursday despite not being at their best against USC. But Steve Alford is hoping this is the kind of experience the Bruins can draw from if they run into trouble during the NCAA Tournament.
USC coach Andy Enfield is worried that the "bracketologists" have been sleeping while the Trojans are playing late games this week.
Oregon State guard Kendal Manuel was arrested for assault.
The Oregonian also had a nice season-ending look at the heartache Tres Tinkle has faced.
Oregon's combination of chemistry and experience could have them contending for a national title, the way John Canzano sees it.
