UCLA vs. Western Kentucky Preview

At first glance the UCLA versus Western Kentucky game looks like a laugher. UCLA, the number 2 ranked team by the AP and Coaches poll according to ESPN and is the number 1 ranked team in their region. Western Kentucky is a number 12 seed that is not ranked in either the AP or coaches poll. However, once you take a closer look, it is going to be a lot closer than most people think.

First off, let's take a look at how the teams have done during the regular season. UCLA did quite well going 16-2 in their conference and 33-3 overall. Western Kentucky went 16-2 in their conference and 29-6 overall with close loses to Gonzaga and Tennessee. So it looks like UCLA has played better during the regular season, but as well know, anything can happen.

Speaking of tournament play, let's take a look at how the teams have played thus far. Western Kentucky upset Drake with a very close game winning by two points. They ten took on the University of San Diego, who was a 13 seed and upset UConn, and beat them by 9 points. UCLA had a much easier 1^st round winning by 41 points. However, in round 2 they only scored 51 against Texas A & M winning by 2 points.

This is going to be a tough game for UCLA to win. Their scoring average in the tournament is a low 60.5 per game and Western Kentucky is averaging 85.5 points per game. On the defensive side, UCLA has held their oppenents to a low average of 39 points help a great deal by their first round defense. Western Kentucky's defense has not been as promising letting teams average 81 points per game. This is where UCLA wins the game. While Western Kentucky scores a lot of points, they let their oppenent also score a lot of points. Defense wins championships and that will hold true for this game.

In the end, I do see UCLA pulling off the win, but it will be very close. Final score: UCLA 78, Western Kentucky 75.

ESPN; "UCLA Bruins"; ESPN.com