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The National Championship, April 3rd, 2006

April 3, 2006  |  By Benjamin Miraski

You can't blame the winners for making the games boring. If the losing team can't produce enough excitement to counter what the winning teams are doing, there is nothing that the top teams can do. So, don't blame UCLA and Florida for the lack of excitement generated by LSU and George Mason, respectively.

But, if all holds true, everything should be different tonight. A battle of wills is going to be waged on the court and the stronger team in terms of keeping control and momentum should hold serve.

Keys to tonight's game for UCLA:

• Control the tempo: Don't let Florida consistently run the ball up court.


• Rebound, rebound, rebound: One of the keys to Florida's victories have been their ability to get second chance shots consistently. UCLA needs to fight Florida on the glass better and hold them to one shot.


• Shoot over 40%: No secret here. Florida has been brutal on defense for the tournament. If UCLA can crack the 40% barrier, it means they are getting good guard contribution outside the paint. While they will still need to challenge the big men on the interior, without a consistent outlet for Hollins and Mbah a Moute when they get in trouble, UCLA will sink as fast as George Mason did.

Keys for Florida:

• Run: It worked on Jai Lewis and Will Thomas. Get the big men for UCLA moving and force them to get back on defense quickly to help guard the boards and the break. Hollins and Mata can move, but past those two, the bench thins considerably for the Bruins. Trying to combat Noah, Horford, and the rest of the Florida front line could be trouble if they are worn down.


• Exploit the three point line: Lee Humphrey was deadly from beyond the arc in the second half against George Mason. If he or Brewer can hit consistently, Florida can open a big lead early which will be difficult for the methodical offense of UCLA to come back against. Even if they are missing, the size and depth of the big men should allow them second chance points, provided that they are there to rebound. Just the threat should be enough to open up the inside just a little bit more for Noah.


• Hold onto the ball: Turnovers have been happening for the Gators, but they haven't really affected them yet. The story in most of the games has been that they controlled the tempo, so losing the ball here and there usually was able to wash out in the extra possessions that the increased pace of the generated. UCLA is not going to speed through the game like George Mason tried to against Florida. The Gators need to control the ball longer, and not let their big men, especially Noah, lose them momentum by fumbling the ball away or taking too many steps.

Florida (3) vs. UCLA (2)
MRI Predicts: Florida Confidence factor: 67.78%

Posted April 3, 2006 4:00 PM

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