Scouting Report

KEYS TO THE GAME

STYLE OF PLAY: Fundamentally sound Cincinnati plays excellent man-to-man defense and forces turnovers that lead to baskets in transition. The Bearcat half-court offense often is nothing more than point guard Steve Logan shooting or creating a shot for a teammate. UCLA brings two distinct styles, depending on the lineup. The starters are older, slower, shoot well from the perimeter and are best served playing a matchup zone defense. The reserves are more athletic, press well and sometimes have difficulty scoring.

MATCHUP TO WATCH: Logan vs. a cast of Bruins. The Bearcat All-American point guard averages 22 points and ended a shooting slump in the first-round victory over Boston University by scoring 27 points with 10-of-15 shooting. UCLA freshman point guard Cedric Bozeman will have difficulty staying with Logan, and reserve Ryan Walcott will spend time chasing him as well. But the key might be senior Rico Hines, the Bruins’ best perimeter defender, who could shadow Logan in a box-and-one or diamond-and-one zone alignment.

INTANGIBLES: In the last two months, the Bruins displayed no ability to use an inspiring victory as a springboard to a winning streak. So their first-round romp over Mississippi could easily be followed by a poor performance. Cincinnati has won five in a row since a loss at Louisville.

MAGIC NUMBERS: UCLA hasn’t lost in the second round in nine years. Cincinnati lost in the second round every year from 1997 through 2000.

FINAL ANALYSIS: It’s wishful thinking for UCLA to believe Bob Huggins-coached Cincinnati will bring anything less than its best effort. Logan can’t be stopped, but slowing him will be crucial. As for the Bruins, their task is to finish a weekend 2-0, something they haven’t done since January.