**Jesse Newell:** Welcome back to the GameDay Cram Session, as Kansas is taking on UCLA in the semifinals of the Maui Invitational on Tuesday.
Tom, UCLA’s Reeves Nelson only had one point against Chaminade, but how do you think he played in the Maui Invitational first round?
**Tom Keegan:** He completely changed the game. UCLA went from passive defensively to energized and he’s the team’s best defensive rebounder. Josh Smith’s a good scorer and offensive rebounder, but he needs help at the other end and Nelson gives it to him. It should be interesting to see if Thomas Robinson can do as good a job of keeping his composure with Nelson constantly trying to get under his skin.
**JN:** Nelson was most impressive on the defensive boards, where he grabbed five in 11 minutes against Chaminade (and 43 percent of the available defensive rebounds during his time out there).
As a whole, the Bruins’ frontcourt is loaded, with players like Nelson, Joshua Smith (who had 17 points and 13 rebounds against KU last year) and North Carolina transfers Travis and David Wear.
It should be tough for KU’s inside players, especially offensively. UCLA blocked 12 Chaminade shots on Monday while holding the Silverswords to 30-percent shooting.
KU didn’t handle Kentucky’s length inside well last week, when it had 13 shots rejected in a 75-65 loss. This will be another good test for Robinson and Jeff Withey to see how they match up against a strong defensive frontcourt.
Tom, what effect, if any, will last year’s controversial foul call that put Mario Little on the line with 0.7 seconds left in a tie game have on Tuesday’s game?
**TK:** It can only help UCLA, which was denied the opportunity it earned to try to win the game in overtime. No way Ben Howland doesn’t use that to his team’s advantage.
**JN:** Howland also might remind some of the Bruins about their poor play in that game.
Six-foot-2 guard Jerime Anderson, who had 18 points on 6-for-8 shooting against Chaminade, turned it over five times in 19 minutes against KU last year. Nelson also didn’t have his best effort with four turnovers and just five rebounds in 30 minutes.
I’d think those two guys will have extra motivation to show that they are capable of playing better in a “big boy” game against the Jayhawks.
All right, Tom, what’s your prediction for this game?
**TK:** Kansas by 8.
I don’t see that UCLA has anyone who can keep Tyshawn Taylor from getting to the paint consistently to break down the defense and open scoring opportunities for Thomas Robinson.
**JN:** Yeah, I’ll be a little more optimistic with the Jayhawks and say they win by 13.
It’s a small sample size, but UCLA’s poor perimeter offense and defense so far this season can’t be ignored.
In three games, the Bruins have allowed opponents to shoot 54.5 percent … *from the three-point line* (24 of 44).
Also, UCLA has made just 15 of 60 three-pointers itself (25 percent).
For the second straight game, KU’s advantage is on the perimeter, where the Jayhawks have better defenders, drivers and shooters.
I see a game with a lot of quick dribbles to the lane then pitchouts for open threes. If the Jayhawks make those open looks, they’ll roll. Give me 73-60, KU.
OK, Tom, who’s your Hawk to Rock?
**TK:** Tyshawn Taylor.
Until the Georgetown game, Taylor hadn’t been shooting well, but he’s been doing a lot of other things well and played a terrific all-around game against the Hoyas.
**JN:** Elijah Johnson has made just 4 of 17 three-pointers this season (23.5 percent), and I’m guessing he’ll snap out of that funk against UCLA.
The junior guard worked hard on his shot in the offseason and making almost everything during summer shootarounds and scrimmages.
I’ll say that he matches (or exceeds) his career high of four three-pointers during Tuesday night’s contest against UCLA.
Tracking the picks
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**Predictions tally (through three games)**
Tom: 2-1 record, 33 points off (11 points off/game)
Jesse: 3-0 record, 21 points off (7 points off/game)
Hawk to Rock
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**Tom Keegan**
Towson: Tyshawn Taylor (4th in Keegan ratings)
Kentucky: Tyshawn Taylor (1st in Keegan ratings)
Georgetown: Elijah Johnson (4th in Keegan ratings)
**Average: 3rd in Keegan ratings**
**Jesse Newell**
Towson: Conner Teahan (6th in Keegan ratings)
Kentucky: Elijah Johnson (4th in Keegan ratings)
Georgetown: Kevin Young (9th in Keegan ratings)
**Average: 6.3rd in Keegan ratings**
Kansas guard Elijah Johnson throws an alley-oop pass over Georgetown forward Hollis Thompson during the first half on Monday, Nov. 21, 2011 at the Lahaina Civic Center.
