Arizona's future begins tonight

Karen C. Tully Arizona Daily Wildcat UA basketball coach Lute Olson (right) plans to keep a close eye on UCLA's big men. In their last meeting, an 84-78 overtime win for UCLA at Pauley Pavillion in Los Angeles, Arizona allowed the Bruin's 49 rebounds. This time, however, with the Pacific 10 Conference lead on the line, Arizona players like Mike Bibby (left) vow that things will be different. Arizona has a 9-4 lead over UCLA in games at McKale Center in the Lute Olson era.

Forget Utah, North Carolina and New Mexico, tonight's game against UCLA will determine the Arizona men's basketball team's fate in this year's postseason. A win could vault them into a number two or three seed in the West Region of the NCAA Tournament. A loss could send them to a lower seed in a different region.

Since 1985, either No. 24 ranked UCLA (13-7 overall, 8-3 in the Pacific 10 Conference) or No. 11 Arizona (15-5, 7-3) has won or tied for the Pac-10 Championship. This puts tonight's winner in the driver's seat for the stretch run.

"This could be our most important game this year," UA sophomore center A.J. Bramlett said. "We didn't play well up there, so we are going to step up for Thursday."

In their last meeting at Pauley Pavilion the Bruins used strong inside play to grab 49 rebounds and shoot 46 percent from the floor to win 84-78 in overtime. The key to UCLA's inside success was their ability to break down Arizona's pressure defense with penetration.

"They were able to penetrate against us all game," UA sophomore guard Jason Terry said. "I think will be ready for it this time. This game we will try and force the tempo right from the tip."

The Bruins' offensive attack is led by the inside play of sophomore Jelani McCoy and junior J.R. Henderson, and the leadership of senior Charles O'Bannon. In their last meeting, McCoy and Henderson combined to shoot 14 of 18 from the field for 34 points.

"We really need to try and change the percentages of McCoy and Henderson on the inside," UA coach Lute Olson said. "With their athletes, offensive board work is a big part of their offense."

O'Bannon has elevated his game from just a slasher to a rebounder, shooter and leader on the floor.

For the season, he is averaging 16.5 points and 6.9 rebounds per game.

"As a senior, I think the light may have come on for Charles," UCLA coach Steve Lavin said. "He's been much more aggressive to the boards and has even had some 17 and 12 rebound nights. Right now he is just playing at a higher level."

The Wildcats will be looking to their leader, junior Miles Simon, to take control of the game.

Simon was one of the few bright spots in the first matchup, where he scored 23 points in 40 minutes of play.

"This is going to be a big game for me," Simon said. "We haven't been this close in a conference race since I've been here. Usually at this point we are a couple of games out."

One other player that has become a major contributor is Bramlett. In the last two games, he has scored 21 points and grabbed 17 rebounds.

"I think Miles' return has really helped A.J.'s play. If you notice, he has gotten a lot of easy transition baskets from Miles in the last couple of games," Olson said. "I think the guys have developed some confidence in A.J.'s ability to finish the play and not turn it over. He also moves well down the court for a big-man."

On the defensive side, Arizona's new pressing style will be in full form against the Bruins, which is something that worries UCLA's Lavin.

"Arizona does a great job of trapping in their pressure. They give you a different look due to their quickness," Lavin said.

"They want to disrupt your offense by getting you to play faster than you want to play."