UCLA Locks Down and Dominates Western Kentucky at the Half

Using a 28-7 run to end the first half, the UCLA Bruins are cruising against Western Kentucky. At the break, they lead their Sweet 16 game with the Hilltoppers, 41-20.

It's the classic matchup between a #1 seed and a #12: the bigger and faster team is taking care of business.

UCLA's offense and defense are just so efficient. Offensively, the Bruins are shooting 51%. They are dominating the paint with Kevin Love and James Keefe and pretty much getting whatever shot they want.

Defensively, the Bruins are holding WKU to just 19% shooting (an ugly 6-of-32). The Hilltoppers' star, Courtney Lee, has scored just five points on 2-of-13 shooting. Nearly every attempt by Western Kentucky is challenged and UCLA is constantly pressing in the half court.

Better news for UCLA fans: Josh Shipp has found his stroke. After scoring just six total points in the Bruins first two tournament games, Shipp has eight at the break ... including a three point shot.

For all those forced to watch the rest of the game (aren't they switching to the exciting Louisville-Tennessee game?), play a little game of Horny Bill Raftery. Already ... courtesy of Awful Announcing ... he has come up with these gems:

-"He was strokin' with the best of them!"
-"He used to sleep on a roll-up mattress. I can relate to that."
-"Everybody hugging their guy."
-"Thrust of the fist!"
-After Verne Lundquist says, "the answer is take it off." ... Bill replies: "Late at night I favor that myself."
-"Great use of the bounce....to ECSTASY!"

And this exchange:

Verne: "There is Love lurking."
Bill: "That's every man's dream. To have love lurking."
Verne: "I'm working with a man without shame."
Bill: "Hey join the club....it's painful."