GO U.C.L.A
AWESOME JOB!!!
One of college basketball's most storied programs is finally back in the Final Four. After defeating Memphis 50-45 in the Oakland Regional final, UCLA is in the Final Four for the first time since winning the title in 1995. In Indy, the Bruins will face LSU, which beat Texas 70-60 in OT in the Atlanta Regional final.
UCLA shuts down Memphis to move into Final Four
Oakland, CA (Sports Network) - Arron Afflalo scored 15 points and UCLA continued its smothering defensive play to earn a trip to the Final Four with a 50-45 victory over Memphis in the Oakland Regional final of the NCAA Tournament.
Ryan Hollins compiled 14 points and nine rebounds for the Bruins (31-6), who advanced to the Final Four for the first time since their national championship season of 1994-95. But the real reason for UCLA's 11th consecutive victory came on the defensive end.
The second-seeded Bruins completely shut down a Memphis squad averaging more than 80 points per game. The Tigers shot a meager 30 percent from the floor, committed 17 turnovers, and were never able to establish any rhythm all game long.
The result was considerably different than the teams' earlier meeting this year in the semifinals of the preseason NIT, when UCLA yielded a season-high point total in an 88-80 Memphis win.
The Bruins will meet LSU, which knocked off Texas in overtime in the Atlanta bracket championship, next Saturday at Indianapolis in the national semifinal.
Memphis senior Rodney Carney, the Conference USA Player of the Year, was held to just five points on 2-of-12 shooting.
On offense, UCLA continually attacked the basket, leading to 39 free throw attempts. Unfortunately the Bruins made just 20 of them, which allowed Memphis (33-4) to remain within striking distance until the end.
Darius Washington Jr. netted 13 points for the top-seeded Tigers, who were striving for their first Final Four since 1985.
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