Sweet 16: UCLA vs Western Kentucky

         Following a closer-than-expected 53-49 victory over the Texas A&M Aggies, the UCLA Bruins are set to take on the red hot Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, winners of 8 in a row and 19 of their last 20. In the opening two rounds, the Hilltoppers knocked off potential cinderella in the most thrilling game of the tourament so far, then followed that up with a ten point victory over the upstart San Diego Toreros. While the Hilltoppers have the talent, especially in the backcourt with Ty Brazelton and Courtney Lee, to keep up with UCLA, the Bruins' physical defense should wear Western Kentucky out. Playing in the Sun Belt, Western Kentucky hasn't played against a defense anywhere close to as tough as UCLA's. The Bruins play 40 minutes of hard nosed, physical man-to-man defense, and even the biggest, most seasoned players get worn down by the end of games. Plus, the Bruins' defense has been top-notch during the tournament, allowing only 78 ... [link]