Incompetence in Washington — Unlike Bowling Green, Seattle DID actually see some carnage, as the inept Lorenzo Romar fails to motivate his Huskies to put up any resistance, allowing the resurgent Bruins to march to a 41-point landslide victory, 107-66, despite a [previous] inauguration-like record crowd
It was billed as a marquee match-up of the two best Freshmen — and two Best Point Guards — in the Country: UCLA’s Lonzo Ball vs. Washington’s Markelle Fultz. Despite UCLA being favored by 11, the Huskies attracted their first sell-out crowd in FIVE YEARS, and based on the Bruins’ weak performances against Arizona and u$c about a week ago, many people expected a good, hard-fought game. Not only did UW have the crowd on their side, they also had a little confidence, having given sc a better battle this week than the Bruins did the week before.
But right from the opening tipoff, it was ALL UCLA, all night long. The Huskies came out shockingly FLAT, and the Bruins capitalized. UCLA exploded out to an 18-4 lead, and never looked back. Freshmen T.J. Leaf and Ball led the early attack, and several others came on to carry the momentum. Dominating the Boards helped UCLA to lead by 18 at the half, and they built the lead up to the high 20’s early in the second half. Midway through the second half, it was above 30, and finally over 40 in the final minutes, with the final score 107-66.
Fultz led all scorers with 25, but Ball won the Battle of the Bests, with 22 Points, 6 Rebounds, 5 Assists, 4 Steals, and a Block. Fultz actually had nearly-identical numbers to Ball across the board, IN THE BOX SCORE, but the difference was clear ON THE COURT. It was about running the Offense, and facilitating easy, open shots. Ball made all his teammates better, leading to three other guys (Leaf, Bryce Alford, and Aaron Holiday) also scoring 20 or more.
The game was truly never in doubt, leaving Bruin fans wondering what happened to these guys against the ‘Cats and ‘Jans. A huge HEAT CHECK comes on Thursday night, as Oregon rolls into Pauley, fresh off their total thrashing of Arizona on Saturday. The Bruins need to avenge their heartbreaking, last-second loss to the Ducks. Then, after a breather against OSU, troy comes to Westwood for a second revenge game.
Of course, personally, I’d sacrifice those first two for that last one, but every other Bruin fan is hoping for, and expecting a three-game, two-week home sweep. And yes, every game matters. Sure, the Bruins have already clinched a berth in the NCAA Tournament, but winning all three of these games instead of just two or one would mean the difference between a #2 seed and a #5 or #6 seed, and could mean having to beat a team like Kentucky, Louisville, Villanova, Duke, UNC, Kansas, or Gonzaga just to reach the Elite Eight!
Speaking of ELITE — no, this time for once I am NOT referencing the stupendous UCLA Spirit Squad — tomorrow is the Super Bowl, and perennial All-Pro Bruin Gunner Matthew Slater will be playing for the Patriots. So good luck to Slater and the Brady Bunch. HOWEVER — like many people, I don’t like dynasties that don’t include Wooden (or Kareem with the Lakers), so I’m sorta lightly rooting for Atlanta, DESPITE their CEO being ex-trojan cheating Coach John McKay’s son Rich. At least Rich had the sense to NOT attend u$c, choosing Princeton instead. One other positive UCLA connection with the Falcons: Former Bruin Wide Receiver Devin Fuller is on their roster. He is actually on the injured reserve list, so he will not be in action, but MAYBE he would still get a Championship Ring if they win?
And speaking of SUPER-ELITE, congratulations goes out to Kenny Easley — probably the second-greatest Bruin Football athlete of all time (in deference to Jackie Robinson), and definitely one of the best that I ever saw in person — for being chosen to enter the NFL Hall of Fame. Easley was arguably the hardest-hitting (but clean, unlike Tatum, Lott, or Atkinson) Defensive Back of all-time. Congrats, Kenny. SO MANY fans I know consider you their favorite Bruin player in History!
PLEASE IGNORE THE FOLLOWING SCREENCAP — I’M JUST USING IT TO PROVE A POINT TO SOMEONE ON BRUINZONE WHO THINKS SOMEONE WHO “MADE THIS SAME MISTAKE” WAS ACTUALLY MOCKING TRUMP AND WAS NOT MAKING A TYPO OF HIS OWN.
