TODAY’S GAME

Mideast Regional

No. 10 UCLA at No. 7 MINNESOTA

* Site: Williams Arena, Minneapolis

* Time: 11:30 a.m. PST

* What to watch for: Whoever controls the tempo controls the game. UCLA (17-12) wants it fast and loose in an attempt to exhaust the bigger Gopher squad. It’s a strategy that worked against Ohio State, Arizona and USC, and it’s most effective when UCLA’s powerhouse trio of Noelle Quinn, Nikki Blue and Lisa Willis are playing well as a unit. Minnesota (21-8) wants to keep the Bruins standing around, which makes it harder for UCLA to rebound and fast break.

* Key to the game: Two-time All-American guard Lindsey Whalen, the Gophers’ heart and soul, returns to the lineup after sitting out a month because of a broken right (shooting) hand. She will give Minnesota an early emotional lift.

-- Mike Terry