George Washington vs Vanderbilt (Over 139.5) - 2:10pm Pacific - Game #835-836
Vanderbilt had already made a concerted effort to push tempo at the start of the season and then lost starting center Alan Metcalfe after just two games. This forced them to play an even smaller, faster lineup, and it worked so well that even when Metcalfe got healthy he never regained his starting spot. For the season Vandy games averaged 145.25ppg (not counting OT), a full nine points higher than a year ago. The Commodores have very balanced scoring, can easily go 10 deep, and have six players who are dangerous from behind the arc. This makes them a difficult matchup for George Washington's various trapping defenses and 1-3-1 zone because there is no one who can be left open. Vandy also has a quick, reliable point guard in Alex Gordon and are an above average passing team with five players averaging 2 or more assists per game. Few teams had any success playing zone vs Vandy this year and when GW goes man-to-man they have to play soft as they can not afford any foul trouble. This is also a favorable matchup for GW because Vandy has trouble defending quick, penetrating guards. GW has two excellent ones in Carl Elliott and Maureece Rice. They are adept at penetration, quick ball movement, and scoring in various ways, including 3-point shots. Vanderbilt definitely wants to play a fast paced game here, they have only had six totals all season posted under 140 and in those six have gone 5-1 over. Meanwhile, GW head coach Karl Hobbs said Wednesday that his team will have to score in transition to have a chance. Expect a high scoring game.

RAS Official Play: Over 139.5 1 UNIT | LOSS 44-77, 121

UCLA vs Weber State (Under 128.5) - 4:20pm Pacific - Game #833-834
It is no secret that the identity of UCLA basketball under Ben Howland has been tough hard nosed defense, but after allowing their last nine opponents to shoot 46.9% from the field (first 22 opponents shot 41.9%), UCLA has used their extra time off to re-focus on the defensive end of the court. The Bruins head into this game off back to back losses and with almost a full week inbetween games. Even under normal circumstances Howland spends the majority of practice time on defense. The Bruins have held 11 different teams under the 60 point mark this season, and all but two opponents had more offensive ability than Weber State. Wildcat games average 139.5 without OT for the season, but they play in a very high scoring league where very little defense is ever played. WSU finished 6th in scoring offense and 2nd in scoring defense in the nine member Big Sky which is similar to UCLA who finished 5th in scoring offense and 2nd in scoring defense in the Pac-10. Seven of Weber's nine non-conference lined totals went under in regulation time. Weber managed only 51 points vs Pac-10 opponent Washington earlier in the year and now will face a much tougher defense vs the Bruins. Weber State head coach Randy Rahe was quoted on Wednesday "I hope to make it as ugly as possible, that's the way we play. I've told our kids if we can keep it in the 50s, that's huge." Meanwhile, UCLA's Howland is a former Weber State player and is even married to a former cheerleader at the school. It is unlikely that he will run up the score on his alma matter. UCLA point guard Darren Collison sprained an ankle on Tuesday, is expected to start, but could be less than 100%. Expect a low scoring game.

RAS Official Play: Under 128.5 1 UNIT | WIN 42-70, 112


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