Path to the Hall of Fame (v3)

[randy]

Nov 29, 2002: #5 Georgia (4-1) @ #1 UCLA (6-0)

Down 2-9 early, as our offense had a slow start. But as soon as we dominated the rebounding battle (+10) and playing tough defense (GA had only 5 FGs made), we established control of the game. Halftime, Up 39-25.

We increased the lead to 24. Even when GA came close to 14 pts, we were not giving easy pts to them. Out of GA's 51 pts, 22 were scored from the FT line; 5 of their FGs were from beyond the arc.


Final Score: Georgia - 51, UCLA - 71


Box Scores
[INDENT]Simmons 18, 7, 3 (*)
Daniel 11, 13, 4, 2 stls, 3 blks
Jones 9, 5, 0, 2 blks
Eschmeyer 9, 4, 1, 2 blks
Pebbles 8, 6, 2
Hawkins 7, 3, 4
Bradford 5, 0, 0, 2 stls
Beck 4, 1, 1
Reed 0, 3, 2
White 0, 0, 0
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 43-24%
REB: +16 (+6 off)
TO: -1
Pts in paint: +24
2nd chance: +9
Fast break: +12 (16-4)
[/INDENT]

[randy]

Dec 2, 2002: #1 UCLA (7-0) @ Arkansas (2-3)

C Dermek Daniel has almost outscored (30-33) and out rebounded (10-11) the entire ARK team in the 1st half. Halftime, Up 44-33.

The only thing taht has stopped C Dermek Daniel from scoring was when he picked up his 4th foul early in the 2nd half. But our lead actually grew to 25 when Daniel sat on the bench, as it became more difficult for ARK to figure out who to stop on our offense. ARK has shot well the entire game, and that allowed them to come back to within the 13. But as soon as our starting lineup are all back on the floor, our lead increased again to 21; we simply coasted since then.


Final Score: UCLA - 85, Arkansas - 72


Box Scores
[INDENT]Daniel 38, 18, 0, 3 blks, 14-17 FG (*)
Simmons 18, 4, 6
Eschmeyer 11, 5, 1
Reed 8, 3, 1
Hawkins 5, 2, 2
Jones 2, 3, 0
Bradford 2, 0, 1
Pebbles 1, 2, 2
Beck 0, 0, 4
White 0, 0, 0
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 49-48%
REB: +12 (+5 off)
TO: -3
Pts in paint: +6
2nd chance: +7
Fast break: Even
[/INDENT]

[randy]

Dec 6, 2002: #1 UCLA (8-0) @ Texas A&M (4-2)

C Dermek Daniel picked up 3 fouls in the 1st 5 mins of the game; I elected to sit him out the rest of the half. Without Daniel, we were not the same team defensively and rebounding wise. But our biggest demise in the 1st half was our turn overs (11). Halftime, Up Down 35-40.

C Dermek Daniel immediately went to work both on offense and defense at the start of the 2nd half, and we retake the lead at 45-44. But TXAM able to keep close with their outside shooting, and they finally reclaim the lead on their 6th 3pt shot. Down 62-64, 4:09. After we split our FTs, TXAM converts another FG. Down 3. Both teams not able to score on their next possessions. We had a chance in the our last play, but Daniel called for traveling; it's our 16th turn over. TXAM also traveled. Timeout. Down 63-66, 1:10.

PF Andre Eschmeyer scored on the low post. Down 1. We force another turn over on TXAM; it's their 15th of the game. Timeout again. Down 65-66, 0:37.

TXAM called for a foul on C Dermek Daniel. Double bonus; 2 FTs for Daniel. Daniel missed the 1st, hit the 2nd. TXAM not calling a timeout. Tied at 66, 0:28.

TXAM tried to post their PG; they missed. We get the rebound. Timeout. Tied at 66, 0:07.

We go to C Dermek Daniel on the low post. Daniel shoots, but got blocked. TXAM's home crowd loved it. Ball out of bounds in favor of TXAM. 0:02 left. TXAM wasn't able to get a shot. We go to OT. End of regulation, Tied at 66.

Teams traded a FG each. After we made a defensive stop, we split our FTs but C Dermek Daniel got the offensive rebound for a put back. Up 3. We get another steal, and scored on the break. Up 5. A couple more defensive stops, before PF Andre Eschemeyer scored on the low post. Up 75-68, 2:15 OT. TXAM only scored 1 FG since then. We played great defense during OT, but we got tested in this game.


Final Score: UCLA - 80, Texas A&M - 70


Box Scores
[INDENT]Daniel 25, 13, 1, 2 stls, 4 blks (*)
Eschmeyer 14, 3, 1, 3 blks
Jones 10, 10, 1, 6 blks
Simmons 10, 4, 1
Reed 5, 4, 2
Pebbles 5, 2, 0
White 4, 2, 1, 2 stls
Beck 3, 2, 1, 4 tos
Hawkins 2, 7, 4, 4 tos
Bradford 2, 0, 0, 2 stls
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 41-38%
REB: +9
TO: -2
Pts in paint: +2
2nd chance: +2
Fast break: Even
[/INDENT]

[randy]

Dec 9, 2002: Georgetown (3-3) @ #1 UCLA (9-0)

GEORG displayed good shooting, and we're down 18-26. We got serious on defense after that, and finished the 1st half on a 20-6 run. Halftime, Up 38-32.

We started the 2nd half on a 6-0 run. After GEORG scored a 3, we went on a longer 15-2 run, and the game was practically over at that point.


Final Score: Georgetown - 60, UCLA - 80


Box Scores
[INDENT]Daniel 31, 10, 0, 5 blks, 11-14 FG (*)
Eschmeyer 17, 6, 1, 7-9 FG
Hawkins 9, 2, 8, fouled out
Jones 8, 3, 0, 2 blks
Simmons 7, 2, 2, 2 stls
Pebbles 4, 5, 0
Reed 2, 6, 3, 2 stls
Bradford 2, 0, 1
Beck 0, 1, 2
White 0, 0, 0
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 49-33%
REB: +4
TO: -7 (9-16)
Pts in paint: +34
2nd chance: -3
Fast break: +7
[/INDENT]

[randy]

Dec 13, 2002: #21 Butler (6-2) @ #1 UCLA (10-0)

BUT converted 4 3pt shots, but overall, they shot poorly in the 1st half with only 25% FG. SF Abdul Pebbles giving us a good performance off the bench, 12 pts. Halftime, Up 46-25.


Final Score: Butler - 61, UCLA - 82


Box Scores
[INDENT]Daniel 23, 14, 1, 6 blks (*)
Pebbles 18, 3, 3
Eschmeyer 17, 7, 0
Reed 8, 3, 2
Hawkins 7, 5, 5, 4 tos
Jones 4, 5, 0
Simmons 3, 3, 3
Bradford 2, 0, 1
Beck 0, 1, 0
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 45-33%
REB: +14
TO: Even
Pts in paint: +20
2nd chance: -3
Fast break: Even
[/INDENT]

[randy]

Dec 20, 2002: #1 UCLA (11-0) @ San Diego (3-7)

1st half was more of a FT shooting display, as both teams shot 23 FT attempts each. We shot 58% FG in the 1st half. Halftime, Up 51-42.

Still close midway in the 2nd half, as we're only leading by 7. USD has been rebounding well, esp on the off glass. We attempted an additional 25 FTs in the 2nd half, while only 3 for USD.


Final Score: UCLA - 97, San Diego - 80


Box Scores
[INDENT]Daniel 38, 6, 2, 4 stls, 6 blks, 12-15 FG (*)
Eschmeyer 27, 4, 0, 8-9 FG, 11-11 FT
Jones 14, 3, 0
Bradford 5, 1, 2, 2 stls
Hawkins 4, 2, 3, 6 tos
Beck 4, 1, 2
Simmons 2, 4, 2
Pebbles 2, 4, 0, 2 stls
Reed 1, 4, 2
White 0, 0, 0
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 60-46%
REB: +4
TO: +1
Pts in paint: +14
2nd chance: Even
Fast break: -5
[/INDENT]

[randy]

Season Preview / Predictions

1. UCLA
2. Oregon
3. Stanford
4. Arizona
5. California
6. Washington
7. Utah
8. Oregon St
9. Arizona St
10. Colorado
11. USC
12. Washington St

Non-Conference Records (RPI)

1. #1 UCLA, 12-0 (1)
2. #20 Arizona, 7-3 (8)
3. California, 8-1 (10)
4. Washington, 6-5 (83)
5. Oregon St, 5-4 (135)
6. Oregon, 5-4 (193)
7. Colorado, 3-6 (213)
8. Arizona St, 6-3 (214)
9. Stanford, 4-5 (267)
10. USC, 0-9 (287)
11. Washington St, 0-9 (288)
12. Utah, 2-7 (342)

Top players to watch out

1. Sr SG Danny Simpson (Arizona St): 15.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg
2. So SG Ashley Walls (California): 15.4 ppg, 3.1 apg
3. So PG Stephen McIntosh (Colorado): 18.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg
4. Fr PF Armand Jackson (Oregon): 10.1 ppg, 6.9 rpg
5. So SF Linton Darting (Oregon St): 17.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg
6. Jr SG Willie Younger (Stanford): 15.9 ppg, 3.3 apg
7. Fr C Dernek Daniel (UCLA): 27.0 ppg, 13.2 rpg, 3.8 bpg
8. Fr C Andre Eschmeyer (UCLA): 14.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 3.8 bpg

[randy]

Dec 27, 2002: USC (0-9, 0-0) @ #1 UCLA (12-0)

My new players quickly realizing that conference games are very much different. Esp against our cross-town rival. You can throw away the W-L records, as this is not going to be an easy game. Game was still tied at 13, midway in the 1st half. USC got into penalty, and our FT shooting helped us get a 10-2 run. Our suffocating defense beginning to take its toll on USC, as their FG shooting took a nose dive. Halftime, Up 38-23.

It has become more difficult for USC, just to even put up a decent shot. Our big men have dominated the paint, and were able to score easily. Up by 26 with just more than 8 mins remaining. A total demolition in the end, as we open up our Pac 12 campaign with a big win.


Final Score: USC - 45, UCLA - 88


Box Scores
[INDENT]Daniel 41, 14, 0, 2 stls, 5 blks (*)
Pebbles 16, 2, 3, 2 blks
Jones 12, 5, 0
Eschmeyer 11, 3, 1
Beck 5, 1, 2
Simmons 3, 8, 3
Reed 2, 2, 1
Bradford 2, 1, 0
Hawkins 0, 3, 5
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 53-30%
REB: +8
TO: -9 (5-14)
Pts in paint: +34
2nd chance: +13 (18-5)
Fast break: +10 (14-4)
[/INDENT]



Pac 12 Conference Standings

1. Washington, 1-0 (W1)
2. Oregon St, 1-0 (W1)
3. #20 Arizona, 1-0 (W1)
4. Colorado, 1-0 (W1)
5. Stanford, 1-0 (W1)
6. #1 UCLA, 1-0 (W1)
7. California 0-1 (L1)
8. Oregon, 0-1 (L1)
9. Arizona St, 0-1 (L1)
10. USC, 0-1 (L1)
11. Washington St, 0-1 (L1)
12. Utah, 0-1 (L1)

[randy]

Dec 30, 2002: Arizona St (6-4, 0-1) @ #1 UCLA (13-0, 1-0)

After 8 mins of play, all AZST could show on offense was 0-5 FG and 9 turn overs; score was 29-1 at that point. We built this big lead without C Dermek Daniel, who picked up 2 quick fouls. Score was 37-3 before AZST scored their 1st FG of the game, at the 10 min mark. We sho 69% FG in the 1st half. Halftime, Up 62-26.

Our defense has softened up a bit since the initial 37-3 salvo we had back in the 1st half. But we still manage to get a big win, as 5 players scored in double figures.


Final Score: Arizona St - 66, UCLA - 91


Box Scores
[INDENT]Daniel 24, 12, 1, 6 blks, fouled out (*)
Reed 16, 3, 3
Jones 14, 4, 1, 2 blks
Simmons 13, 2, 3
Eschmeyer 10, 8, 3, 2 stls
Hawkins 9, 0, 8, 2 stls
Pebbles 3, 2, 0
Bradford 2, 0, 0
Beck 0, 1, 3
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 52-44%
REB: +8 (+8 off)
TO: -11 (8-19)
Pts in paint: +30
2nd chance: +7
Fast break: +18 (20-2)
[/INDENT]



Pac 12 Conference Standings

1. Washington, 2-0 (W2)
2. #20 Arizona, 2-0 (W2)
3. Colorado, 2-0 (W2)
4. #1 UCLA, 2-0 (W2)
5. Oregon St, 1-1 (L1)
6. USC, 1-1 (W1)
7. California 1-1 (W1)
8. Stanford, 1-1 (L1)
9. Oregon, 0-2 (L2)
10. Arizona St, 0-2 (L2)
11. Washington St, 0-2 (L2)
12. Utah, 0-2 (L2)

[randy]

Jan 3, 2003: #1 UCLA (14-0, 2-0) @ Oregon (5-6, 0-2)

Both teams sloppy with the ball combining for 21 turn overs (we had 9). Game was tied at 22, and we were shooting just above 30% against OR's 2-3 zone, until we hits our shots late in the game to come with a 14-3 closing run. Halftime, Up 36-25.

OR was able to tie the game very quickly, as they surprise us with an 1--0 run. Momentum has quickly shifted to OR's favor. OR eventually overtook us at 38-41, after they converted their 5th 3 of the game. We got down by as many as 5. Our defense turned things around for us, and our big men powering their way inside to score, against OR's tough zone defense. Up 50-47, 9:26.

Our penalty situation has allowed OR to reclaim the lead with their FT shooting. We're struggling to make shots, both on the field and the FT line. The scoreline hardline moved, but that has only benefited OR. Down 55-58, 3:57.

We committed our 20th turn over of the game. OR also turning it over; it's #23 for them. We needed to score, but instead we traveled once again; turnover #21. We get a steal, and scored on the break. Down 57-58, 2:49.

Another foul called on us; double bonus for OR. They hit both. Timeout. Down 57-60, 2:39.

SF Chris Simmons hits a jumper. Down 1. Simmons then got a steal on the other end. SG Steve Bradford on another jumper. We're in the lead. Up 61-60, 2:04.

We get a block. But OR regains possession. They shoot a jumper, and i's good. Timeout. Down 61-62, 1:31.

Another traveling violation on us. Aarrrgh. We get the ball back after a steal. Another fast break opportunity, and C Dermek Daniel is not going to miss a dunk on transition. Timeout OR. Up 63-62, 0:59.

OR shoots a quick jumper. Missed. But the refs said the elbow of the shooter was clipped. No way I said! But OR will be shooting 2 FTs. They split. I called my last timeout. Tied at 63, 0:45.

We called a triangle play. But turns out to be a bad idea against the zone, as we can't get the ball to the post. The pass ended up on the hands of PF Andre Eschmeyer at the FT line, who forces a tough shot. Missed. But C Dermek Daniel was there for the off rebound, and Daniel's putback is good! Timeout OR. Up 65-63, 0:27.

OR missed their shot. We get the rebound. OR had to foul twice to get into penalty. SG Travis Reed to shoot 1-and-1. 0:09 left. Reed nails the important 1st FT; and also the 2nd. Timeout OR. Up 67-63, 0:09. Lead is safe now

My 1st win @ Oregon in 3 years. Very tough place to get a win. Defense saved us, but we should mature quickly to minimize those turn overs


Final Score: UCLA - 67, Oregon - 63


Box Scores
[INDENT]Daniel 15, 17, 0, 2 stls, 3 blks (*)
Reed 15, 0, 2, 6 tos
Jones 10, 2, 0, 2 blks
Eschmeyer 9, 6, 2, 2 stls
Simmons 6, 4, 2
Bradford 5, 3, 3
Beck 4, 0, 2
Hawkins 3, 1, 3, 7 tos
Pebbles 0, 1, 2
White 0, 0, 0
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 46-47%
REB: +7 (+8 off)
TO: -4 (22-26)
Pts in paint: +8
2nd chance: +8
Fast break: +2
[/INDENT]



Pac 12 Conference Standings

1. Washington, 3-0 (W3)
2. #1 UCLA, 3-0 (W3)
3. #20 Arizona, 3-0 (W3)
4. Oregon St, 2-1 (W1)
5. Stanford, 2-1 (W1)
6. Colorado, 2-1 (L1)
7. California 1-2 (L1)
8. Arizona St, 1-2 (W1)
9. USC, 1-2 (L1)
10. Washington St, 0-3 (L3)
11. Oregon, 0-3 (L3)
12. Utah, 0-3 (L3)