Jonathan Lee    AccuScore Analyst
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UCLA vs. Texas Game Forecast

The ninth-ranked Bruins and eighth-ranked Longhorns square off in the marquee match-up of the Big 12/Pac-10 Hardwood Series.  The two schools are perennial powers with UCLA reaching the Final Four three straight seasons.  Texas hasn’t reached the Final Four since 2003, but did reach a regional final last season and have the talent, depth, and experience to go all the way this year.

These two schools squared off last season in Pauley Pavilion with Texas holding off a late Bruin rally for a two-point win.  This year, with the scene shifted to Austin, the Longhorns are solid favorites projected to win over 70 percent of simulations by an eight point average margin.

While UCLA has several veteran players led by All-American point guard Darren Collison, several freshmen are still integrating themselves into the team and play vital roles in the rotation.  Guard Jrue Holiday is the most talented Bruin, but has yet to fully assert himself and showcase his full array of talents.  His skills finally manifested themselves in his last game as he scored 20 points on a perfect 8-for-8 shooting against Florida International.  That may signal better things to come.  Holiday is projected for 11 points and 4 rebounds.

Texas has switched to a more aggressive style this season doing away with the passive two-three zone employed much of last season to mask the size of their backcourt.  Now, sharpshooter A.J. Abrams runs the point with Damion James and Justin Mason on the wings.  The trio creates mismatch problems for most teams in the nation with their combination of size, quickness, and athleticism.  James in particular is a handle being 6-7 and 230 lbs. yet being able to both inside and out.  He should be the catalyst for the Longhorns tonight and is projected for 14 points and 9 rebounds, but could easily go for more against UCLA’s smaller perimeter players.

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