I'm betting 'Bama is ready for the Bruins...

         At one point, UCLA won seven consecutive national championships and ten out of 12 NCAA Tournaments. The last time Alabama went to the Sweet Sixteen was 2004. How much will that matter in tonight's game? The answer to that question is not one bit.  Let me elaborate on that. It won't matter in the least.  Alabama is full of players who might not know about UCLA's tradition or even care if they did.  The game will be played in the famous Hinkle Fieldhouse.  The ghosts of Milan High Schools of their improbable run to an Indiana State Championship will not be in attendance. Instead, the Alabama players will be focused on building their own legacy. For Alabama fans, this season has been one of excitement.  It has not been easy to be an Alabama fan since Wimp stopped coaching.  Sure, there have a few shining moments.  Hope caving into disappointment has been the general rule. Things seem to be changing. 

      Alabama is favored by around six points tonight.  The Tide is coming off a great offensive performance against Maryland. Jordan Bruner has given way to Juwan Gary which will help Alabama inside. Alex Reese has found his game once again.  John Petty made a bunch of three.  Joshua Primo is back in the lineup and appears to have found his stroke. Keon Ellis is becoming a defensive force and he can score inside and out. Last but not least, Jahvon Quinerly as exploded as one of the NCAA's best point guards.  Does this mean Alabama will beat UCLA.  Hopefully, but don't count UCLA out. They have three deadly outside shooters, and are stronger in the paint that 'Bama. UCLA hasn't played a team which as both an outstanding offense and a downright stingy defense. 

      Alabama has greater depth than UCLA. I recorded five UCLA games and watched them all again. The Bruins don't turn it over much as Alabama. 'Bama's has reduced it's turnovers to a manageable number. Can they do that continually? I don't know. UCLA will try to run with the Tide. Is that a good idea? It is for 'Bama. Statistically, the team's are similar, and has the Tournament has proven the PAC 12 is not a weak sister. Alabama needs a good start to this game. I think the Tide can wear the Bruins down in the last quarter of the game. Bama made 10-10 free throws in their last game and the Tide needs to make most of their chances.  Hall, Reese, and Rojas need to rebound and keep UCLA from getting second chances. Getting a few extra opportunities themselves. They'll get some.

      Tonight the Tide has a chance to win game number twenty-seven. Will they do that? I'm betting they will. I like the Tide by eight.