I’m going to break down both games as much as I possibly can with as much information as I possibly can, knowing that numbers only tell part of the story. At the end of each breakdown, I will give my synopsis and predictions. Best thing for you to do is to pick the opposite. Always pick the opposite.

UCLA vs Memphis
(6:07pm EST/5:07 San Antonio)

Tale of the Tape

Record:
UCLA=35-3
Memphis=37-1
Advantage=Memphis

PPG:
UCLA=73.8
Memphis=80.3
Advantage=Memphis

OPP PPG:
UCLA=58.0
Memphis=61.0
Advantage=UCLA

APG:
UCLA=14.6
Memphis=16.1
Advantage=Memphis

RPG:
UCLA=36.7
Memphis=40.8
Advantage=Memphis

SPG:
UCLA=7.3
Memphis=8.4
Advantage=Memphis

BPG:
UCLA=4.3
Memphis=6.2
Advantage=Memphis

FG%:
UCLA=47.9%
Memphis=46.9%
Advantage=UCLA

TO’s:
UCLA=12.6
Memphis=11.8
Advantage=Memphis

A/TO’s:
UCLA=1.2/1
Memphis=1.4/1
Advantage=Memphis

FT%:
UCLA=73.0%
Memphis=60.7%
Advantage=UCLA

3PT%:
UCLA=35.1%
Memphis=35.1%
Advantage=Tie

RPI:
UCLA=0.5774 (#10)
Memphis=0.5764 (#12)
Advantage=UCLA

Last 15:
UCLA=14-1
Memphis=14-1
Advantage=Tie

Point Guard
Collison vs Rose
Advantage=Memphis

Shooting Guard
Westbrook vs Douglas-Roberts
Advantage=Memphis

Small Forward
Shipp vs Dozier
Advantage=UCLA

Power Forward
Mbah a Moute vs Taggert
Advantage=UCLA

Center
Love vs Dorsey
Advantage=UCLA

Bench
Advantage=UCLA

Coaching
Howland vs Calipari
Advantage=UCLA

According to the numbers, Memphis held a significant advantage, 8-4-2, but remember what conference they belong to. The subjective material (my opinions) gave an opposing view; a 5-2 advantage for UCLA in personnel matchups. VegasInsiders has UCLA as a 1 point favorite and the over/under at 133 which, if correct, would make the final score 67-66. If the game is that low scoring, I have to give the edge to the Bruins. They would definitely like to keep the game in the 60’s. The key matchup is going to be the ability of Darren Collison and Michael Westbrook to keep control of Derrick Rose. Doing so will shut down the transition game of the Tigers, negating fastbreak points and controlling the tempo, something UCLA has big-game experience doing. Kevin Love will have his hands full on the defensive end if Chris Douglas-Roberts and Robert Dozier are able to beat Josh Shipp and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute off the dribble. It won’t be any easier on the offensive end as Love will be negated by the defensive prowess of Joey Dorsey. UCLA is going to need Shipp and company to make their outside shots.

Final Analysis: UCLA, with their experience and backcourt, will be able to control the shot clock and Memphis’ one-guard crew. Westbrook will be the key player of the game as he will be able to give Collison some rest guarding Rose on the defensive end and out-duel Antonio Anderson in what should be the only clear-cut advantage for either team. Look for UCLA to move on to Monday night.