CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS
 Coach: Ben Braun |  Record: 27-6

 
Overview: California played its best basketball coming down the homestretch, winning seven of its last 10 regular season games. Ben Braun's team was also a very respectable 3-3 in games played against the RFP Top 25. Forward Leon Powe was a monster all season long, winning the Pac-10 scoring title (19.7 ppg) to go with his second league rebounding crown (9.9 rpg). Powe was only the sixth player in Pac-10 history to claim the conference scoring and rebounding crowns in the same season.

Potential Difference Maker: Powe will get the opposition's attention in a big way, and guard Ayinde Ubaka (14.6 ppg) is the team's second scoring option. But in a 67-58 overtime loss to UCLA on March 2, when no other Golden Bear could contribute more than six points, the need for that all important third scoring option became very clear for this team. Having led the team in scoring on three occasions this season, guard Richard Midgeley has to overcome his inconsistency to fill that role.

On Offense: Sets to motion with an emphasis on getting touches for Powe. They will also set double-screens for Midgeley and Omar Wilkes to get open looks.

On Defense: Their improvement from last season (along with Powe’s return) has really keyed their success. They are not extended like they have in the pass. They are doing a very good job of staying in tight. They will pressure the ball, but they won’t look to choke off the lanes as they have in year’s past. They are very solid defensively now.

Strength: It’s all about Powe who can carry the team. They also have good, veteran guard play.

Weakness: After Powe they are somewhat thin upfront. They also don’t have a real dangerous second option. Ubaka is a nice player, but he is not a real scoring machine. He does step up his game in crunch time, but you wouldn’t expect him to carry the team.

Key to Success: Playing within themselves. Outside of Powe they have a nice collection of guys who fill their roles nicely. They need to remain patient and not try to do too much on the offensive end. Powe will get a lot of attention, which means someone will get a good look. They need to play smart and find that open look. Ubaka’s decision-making will be a key.

How to Beat Them: Make the others beat you. Powe is one of a handful of players in the tournament that can take over the game. It is difficult to really stop him, but you can limit his touches, make him work for his points and force their second and third options to beat you.