The UCLA men’s basketball team has advanced to the Final Four
for the first time since 1995 by defeating No. 1 seed Memphis,
50-45, in the Oakland Regional final on Saturday.
No. 2 seed UCLA (31-6) will be making its 16th Final Four
appearance, tied all-time with North Carolina’s 16, against No. 4
seed LSU next Saturday in Indianapolis.
The Bruins’ win over the Tigers (33-4) wasn’t pretty as neither
team could get into rhythm on offense and could not stop making
frivolous turnovers.
Once again the Bruins were able to pull out a victory when a
glance at their stat sheet would not be typically encouraging. But
the game was not won or lost on offense. It was the defensive
strategy of UCLA coach Ben Howland that slowed down Memphis, who is
at its most dangerous in transition, and took the No. 1 seed out of
its comfort zone.
The methodical and physical style of play helped limit Memphis
to its lowest point total of the season. Memphis scored 49 points
less than it did in its 88-80 win over UCLA in the Preseason NIT
back in November.
The difference in this game from the one played in Madison
Square Garden before conference play began is the emergence of Ryan Hollins as a
dominating post player.
The senior center ignited the Bruins’ early run in the first
half as they established a 21-9 lead with 9:45 left to play in the
half. The Bruins would not relinquish that lead.
Hollins, who finished with 14 points and nine rebounds,
marginalized All-American forward Rodney Carney by getting the
Tigers’ star in early foul trouble. Carney’s minutes were limited
and he was held to five points on 2-for-12 shooting in his final
college game.
Sophomore guard Arron Afflalo led UCLA with 15 points and once
again played superb on ball defense. Two days after shutting down
Gonzaga’s Adam Morrison in the final minutes of the Sweet 16,
Afflalo was the catalyst for a perimeter defense that held Memphis
to 2-13 on 3-pointers.
UCLA will now have a one-week break before taking on the LSU
Tigers, who will represent the Atlanta Regional after defeating No.
2 seed Texas, 70-60, only minutes before UCLA took the court.
LSU (27-8) and UCLA both upended the No. 1 seed in their
respective regionals. The Tigers beat No. 1 overall seed Duke,
62-54, in the Sweet 16 on Thursday night.
Compiled by Bruin Sports senior staff. For in-depth Final
Four preview coverage, check the Daily Bruin Web site throughout
the week.