Okay, first up, some comments on Thursday's game between the Bruins and the Washington State Cougars at Pullman. It was a solid conference road win, notwithstanding blowing a six point lead in the final minutes. Howland obviously recognized the importance of the game, as he basically played only five guys in the 2nd half and overtime. Interestingly, Ryan Hollins played center, with Michael Fey not getting any PT after halftime. Hostile environment, some questionable calls, and the Bruins still pulled it out.

That said, it is still a major concern that so many of the bruin wins could easily be losses (Michigan, Pepperdine, both WSU games, the first Washington game, and SC), while few of their losses could have been wins (Arizona probably the only one). Perhaps it shows that they can play under pressure, or it shows that they're lucky, or (most likely) a little of each.

Anyway, if this team wants to succeed the rest of the year, most obviously they will need some physical presence from their big men (we've known this all year). Beyond that, they also need Afflalo and Shipp to regain their early season form on the offensive side of the ball. But overall, I think this season is shaping up to be what many expected: extreme highs and lows due to the youthful talent, yet right around 4th or 5th in the Pac-10, a NCAA berth still a distinct possibility.

Some writeups on Thursday's game (to avoid having to register at any of these sites to read the articles, I highly recommend Bugmenot):

Daily Bruin
LA Times
Daily News
Orange County Register
Official UCLA Site