Match Made in Heaven

It's halftime of the West Region Finals between (1) Kansas and (2) UCLA and if you have been watching, you know it's gonna be a thriller right down to the final buzzer. UCLA is leading 35-31 in a back and forth game.

The Bruins are a 65-35 underdog, but these two teams are very evenly matched.
UCLA averages 71.6 points and allows 59.6 per game. Kansas averages 79 points and allows 61.5 per game.
UCLA is a more defense oriented team, but they can run with the big dogs, scoring 88 points against Georgia Tech, 92 against Michigan, 96 against Washington and 81 against Arizona.

This game is very fast-paced with many steals, uncharacteristic of both teams.
Kansas have very talented guards and a deep bench.
Both teams are pushing the ball with quite a few alley-oops by Kansas and Darren Collison, arguably the fastest player in college hoops.
Collison matched with All-American Arron Afflalo in the backcourt makes for a lethal combination.

Kansas has led the Bruins by six points twice, but right when it seems like they are about to pull away, UCLA answers with a trey.
#2,3,4 as well as back-up Michael Roll all pose a threat behind the arch, as UCLA is 5/13 from three point land, including a dish from Afflalo to Shipp for the buzzer beating three to end the half.

Prediction:
UCLA has the momentum going it to the half and expect careful ball-handling and fewer turnovers from the Bruins after giving up the ball over 10 times in the first-half.
Look for more transition offense by both teams as a result of quick hands on D.
Also more set-plays to free up the shooters as both teams have a strong defense.
UCLA likes to run plays with double staggered screens inside to free up their outside shooters.
Keep your eye on Brandon Rush guarding Arron Afflalo, it's a good matchup between an accurate shooter and a lockdown defender. Big things can happen if Afflalo can connect early and gain confidence to come out of his recent shooting slump.
Final Score-UCLA 64, Kansas 59

In twenty more minutes of basketball, someone will be going home empty handed and crying.


POST GAME UPDATE:
UCLA 68
Kansas 55
14/33 Layups/Dunks by Kansas.
UCLA WINS!!!
HOORAY!!!!
MORE LATER
WOOHOO!!!!!!