Alabama Travels West To Take On UCLA (9:00 CT ESPN2)

[pmull]

Alabama needs to win this game. Don't laugh. We actually stack up well against UCLA. UCLA's RPI is 78 with SOS of 179. We have a 135 RPI with SOS of 14. We have two common opponents. UCLA beat Drexel at home 72-67. We lost to Drexel in New York in 3 OT's. Duke beat UCLA 80-63. Duke beat us 74-64.

We need to play with a sense of urgency and avoid the late in the game drought and we can win this game.

Alabama returns to action when it travels West to square off against UCLA on Saturday night at Pauley Pavilion. The Tide and Bruins, who will meet on the hardwood for the fourth time overall and the first time since 2006, are set to tip off at 7 p.m. PT (9 p.m. CT).

LETTING THE GAME "RUN" AWAY

• Alabama comes into the game against UCLA with a 5-6 overall record. But the Tide's record could look entirely different had UA finished some of the close games it has lost.

• Alabama has not won a game this season in contests that have been decided by 10 or fewer points (0-6). In fact, UA's six losses have been by a combined total of 31 points - an average of  5.2 points per game.

• In each of its six losses, Alabama either held the lead or was within striking distance late in a game. However, in each instance, the Tide allowed the opposition to go on a game-deciding run late in the second half.

• Below is a break down of each loss, including the decisive run that occurred.

OPP Score (time) Opp. Run | run-length | score Final

Oklahoma 66-67 (6:07) 10-1 | 5:01 | 67-77 73-82

Duke 51-56 (5:17) 13-8 | 4:44 | 59-69 64-74

Drexel 61-57 (1:07) 4-0 | 1:07 | 61-61 83-85 (3ot)

USF 46-42 (10:34) 18-6 | 8:03 | 52-60 64-66

Wichita St. 58-58 (4:44) 13-8 | 3:33 | 66-71 67-72

Xavier 57-50 (8:30) 18-6 | 5:24 | 63-68 74-77

[Marshal Dillon]

Well, I hate to sound like a broken record, but we HAVE to win. The team's confidence can't handle another close loss in which we blow it late in the game. I still don't understand some of the coaching moves in the last game, in which a red-hot player (Hale) was pulled and kept on the bench despite his shooting.




 

[pmull]

This is a must win game. A win tonight and a win over Robert Morris at home and we will close out non-conference play at 7-6. That will give us a little momentum heading into SEC play.

[ricky023]

I am a firm, firm, Alabama Fan. I just don't see us beating UCLA. Every game is a have to win for us. I don't think we are going to do well in conference. Something has to change. RTR!

[Marshal Dillon]

I am a firm, firm, Alabama Fan. I just don't see us beating UCLA. Every game is a have to win for us. I don't think we are going to do well in conference. Something has to change. RTR!

UCLA is a tough cookie. I'm hoping we don't get blown out and can win the game.


 

[pmull]

We only have one senior but the majority of the team are juniors with a lot of experience. Obasahon is a third year sophomore. It is time the leaders on the team step up. I think today is the day they get fed up with losing and get a big win. At least I hope so!

[Marshal Dillon]

Hale hits a 3, then goes down and throws up an air ball. UCLA 6-5 with 16:35 ion 1st half. Hale is starting for the first time. Have hustles down court and scores on an offensive rebound. The whole team is really hustling. 10-7 UCLA.

[Marshal Dillon]

Releford not starting. Engstrom, Cooper, Hale, Obasohan, & Cooper on court.



 

[Marshal Dillon]

Releford on court, now. Taylor blocks shot. Key, Releford, Taylor, Jacobs, & Randolph on floor. 15-7 UCLA. We can't throw it in the ocean. 13 min left. 17-9 UCLA.

[2Stater]

We stink.

[Marshal Dillon]

12-2 run by UCLA. Tide with its usual poor shooting. UCLA 20-9
 


 

[Marshal Dillon]

Tide on 6-0 run, 20-15 UCLA. Key gets 2nd foul.



 

[Marshal Dillon]

Releford hits a 3, then we rebound missed shot but then turn the ball over. Timeout. UCLA 201-8. Bill Walton has spent most of the game bashing previous UCLA coaches and praising the fans & UCLA's BB history. Almost no commentary about the present game. Amazing.



 

[2Stater]

All of a sudden we don't stink. Bad call by the ref. Not an offensive foul.

[Marshal Dillon]

Tide on 15-4 run. 24 all with 4 min. till half. Another 3 pointer for Releford. 27-26 Tide.



 

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