Well, it’s worth saying that a team which is trailing for most of the game can’t really collapse. That’s what happened on Thursday night as the Bruins trailed for most of the game before coming from behind to beat the Michigan State Spartans Presented by Rocket Mortgage.
As a result of that win, UCLA advanced to tonight’s game against the BYU Cougars.
The Cougars finished second in the West Coast Conference this season behind Gonzaga and they managed to finish as the runner-up to the Zags in the conference tournament. They finished the season with a record of 20-6. Three of their six losses came against Gonzaga — twice during the regular season and then again in the conference championship game. Their other three losses came against Southern Cal, Boise State and Pepperdine. Their signature non-conference wins came against Utah and San Diego State.
Let’s look at BYU’s starting five.
Starting Five
The Cougars are led by senior guard Alex Barcello, who transferred from Arizona. Barcello is averaging 15.9 points per game and 4.6 assists per game. Brandon Averette is BYU’s other senior guard and he is averaging 11.5 points per game. The third Cougar averaging in double figures in points is senior center Matt Harms. Harms, who is 7’3” tall, averages 11.3 ppg and he leads the team in rebounds with 4.8 per game to go with his 2.0 block per game.
BYU has a pair of underclassmen as their two starting forwards. Freshman Caleb Lohner is averaging 7.0 ppg but his bigger contribution comes on the boards where he is averaging 7.0 rebounds per game. Junior Gideon George is the other forward. The junior from Nigeria contributes the least among the starting five. He averages just 5.6 ppg and only 3.6 boards per game.
Outlook
Overall, tonight’s game is a winnable one. In fact, I think UCLA will win tonight’s game. In order to do so, they need to play like they did on Thursday against Michigan State. If we see that team tonight, the Bruins win. If we see the team that collapse four games in a row to end the regular season, then expect a Cougar win.
Listen to the Game Here on TMB!
The TuneIn player won’t embed here on Substack, but you can open another tab to listen. Today’s game is on CBS with Andrew Catalon, Steve Lappas and AJ Ross calling the game. If you would prefer to listen to Josh Lewin and Tracy Murray call today’s game instead you can listen to today’s game online.
Join your fellow Bruin fans discussing today’s game below.
This is your UCLA Bruins vs. BYU Cougars NCAA First Round game thread.
2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament First Round
Teams: UCLA Men’s Basketball (18-9) vs. BYU Cougars (15-12)
Series Record: Tied, 12-12
When: 6:40 pm PT, Saturday, March 20, 2021
Where: Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
TV: CBS with Andrew Catalon, Steve Lappas and AJ Ross
Radio/Audio: AM 1150 in Los Angeles with Josh Lewin and Tracy Murray Satellite Radio: Sirius Ch. 138 and XM Ch. 210 (National feed) And, of course, here in The Mighty Bruin Game Thread!
Thanks again for supporting The Mighty Bruin. Your paid subscriptions make this site possible. Questions, comments, story ideas, angry missives and more can be sent to to @TheMightyBruin on Twitter.
2 on Juzang
yeah, LOL why I deleted it! Good call, King!
U!
C clap, clap!
L!!
A!!
Juzang looking good at the start!
Good start
Are you kidding me with that call? It was like a minute late!
Shit! 2 quick on Riley
That was a terrible foul by Riley. Frustrating.
Can't watch....can't take the chance....Go Bruins!
I'm sitting this one out with you, Tx. Karma for the Bruins!
Appreciate the company gbruin!
Tyger throwing bricks.
Good first 4 minutes of the game. 36 more minutes to go!
Still, our 4 fouls to their 0 is concerning
Foul trouble early. Need to play hard AND smart.
Back at work and not watching tonight. Go Bruins!!!
JuZang!!!!!!!!!
OMG they're in the bonus and we're only 7 minutes into the game smdh
Send it, Nwuba!!
Just got himself into the One Shining Moment montage
Travel!
Need Tyger and Jaime to turn on
man, a lot of fouls already
Need to stop the obvious fouls. Need JJJ to get into the game.
Love the hustle by Jules!
Etienne nice D without fouling, changing the shot!
OMG we cannot play 23 seconds of great defense only to foul them last second!!! Grr!!
Thinking the same, BB.
kyman seeing some early action
Just brutal officiating again.
Too many fouls
Can we get a call?
To be fair, BYU is playing pretty porous defense. So not a lot of foul calls there. UCLA needs to step it up on offense and take advantage.
This good start then go cold thing is familiar
Time for Jaylen Clark?
yes
jaime coming alive!!
Jaime^2!
LOL
Johnny!
Johnny!!! en fuego!!
Jake!!
Johnny B Good!
Dammit, Tyger!!
Juzang and Kyman drops back to back 3s!
Is leading a good thing?
That Haarms guy is 7'3. Dont think Cronin will be going with the small lineup that he used against MSU
Is Riley OK?
he got 2 fouls before the under-16 TO
2 fouls
Oh, I'm late.
he looks like he's 7-6
Someone else needs to step up. That means you, Jaime.
This is going perfectly. When Riley comes back in, in the second, he'll be able to keep them off the outside shooters. He'll open it up even more
Good job, Jaime!
Beautiful out of bounds play!
Nwuba a beast inside!!! Great D!!
D!!
Throw it down, Jaime!!!
Jaime!
Nwuba cleared the lane like a champ
He's definitely a big body
Nwuba is playing great!
nice SLAMMMM dunk
SC Top 10!!
2 outta 3 from the three, keep it up!
I am sooo happy/impressed with the amazing play of our bench this half! Bodes well for next year!