UCLA opens NCAA tournament against Virginia Commonwealth

By David Wharton

March 19, 2009 12 AM PT

VS. VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH

Time: 6:45 PDT.

On the air: TV: Channel 2; Radio: 1150, 710.

Where: Wachovia Center, Philadelphia.

Records: UCLA 25-8, Virginia Commonwealth 24-9.

Record vs. opponent: First meeting.

Update: When asked about VCU forward Larry Sanders, UCLA Coach Ben Howland quipped: “First of all, I was a fan of the ‘Larry Sanders Show.’ ” But seriously, folks, Howland knows his Bruins must find a way to score against the shot-blocking Sanders and the rest of the defense-minded Rams. With adept ballhandlers in Darren Collison, Jrue Holiday and Josh Shipp, the Bruins like their chances at breaking VCU’s pressure and scoring a few easy baskets. They must also find a way to slow the Rams’ star guard, Eric Maynor.

-- David Wharton

UCLA Sports

David Wharton

David Wharton has filled an array of roles – covering the courts, entertainment, sports and the second Persian Gulf War – since starting as a Los Angeles Times intern in 1982. His work has been honored by organizations such as the Society for Features Journalism and Associated Press Sports Editors and has been anthologized in “Best American Sports Writing.” He has also been nominated for an Emmy and has written two books, including “Conquest,” an inside look at USC football during the Pete Carroll era.

UCLA opens NCAA tournament against Virginia Commonwealth

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