This feels a bit weird, but the UCLA Bruins are already back to playing a basketball game tonight, as they welcome Long Beach State into Pauley Pavilion for a rare Monday night game.
Last time we saw the Bruins, they were letting the world know that last season’s run through the NCAA Tournament was not a fluke, winning an absolute back-and-forth barnburner against Villanova in front of the home faithful. I was at that game, and that was one of the best experiences I’ve had in a long time that involved UCLA athletics. The atmosphere was absolutely electric, from an amazing performance of the national anthem by 10-year old Madison Baez (seriously, go take a look at this thing) and Michael Buffer kicking things off, to the Bruins clawing back from a 10-point second-half deficit, to Jaime Jaquez bringing the house down in overtime, the entire night was an announcement to the rest of college basketball: UCLA is back, and is ready to reassert its spot among the top programs in the country.
But that all took place on Friday.
That’s the past. We’re on to Monday, which means a visit from what should be a Long Beach State squad looking to prove something against a Top 5 opponent. The 49ers are coming off a good overtime road win over Idaho in their season opener, but I have to imagine UCLA will prove a steeper test. Joel Murray led Long Beach State in points with 28 and forward Joe Hampton will be the likely focal point of the offensive attack for the 49ers.
For the Bruins, the biggest question I have will be the overall effort level.
It would not be surprising to see this team tone down the intensity following what had to be a draining game against Villanova. Long Beach State is certainly a scrappy opponent, but this is a game UCLA should win handily. So, the focus should be more on the intensity on display. If this is a 10-point game with five minutes remaining, I would not be shocked in the slightest, but I also think UCLA can end this game much earlier if they’re dialed in.
This is your Long Beach State at UCLA game thread.
UCLA Men’s Basketball (2-0)
Opponent: Long Beach State 49ers (1-0)
Series Record: UCLA leads, 17-1
When: 8:00 pm PT, Monday, November 15, 2021
Where: Pauley Pavilion, Los Angeles, CA
TV: Pac-12 Networks National and Los Angeles with Roxy Bernstein and Bill Walton
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Man, LB shot the lights out for 30 minutes, but the Bruins shot 58% in the second half and took advantage of 25 turnovers to pull away in the end. Need to tighten up the defense a bit but it was a good all around effort from U.C.L.A. tonight! Have a good night, gang! Go Bruins!!
Ugh
It was too close to put him in for long… and when they did he made several freshman mistakes and got the hook
Me too. Or even just to run the offense inside out. Might open up the outside shots a bit more.
That’s where we miss Riley. Mick does not look happy.
Limping profoundly. Riley.
Bummer… he might be lucky to play in January
The number of questions that he ask tonight
Go Bruins!! Juzang starting off hot tonight!
C'mon, Bruins!
A little too much reliance on the 3 early in this one
10 min in...U.C.L.A. 23, LB St 16
And LB St promptly scores 10 in a row.
LB state wants it more so far… ucla settling for jumpers and not playing defense
Growl!
UCLA bench with 0 points
5-6 from free throws is good though
The 3-point defense is pretty good despite all tough shots that LB is hitting. Don’t expect that to last
CSULB must be shooting a ridiculously high percentage
Yes. Front row seats. They’re a solid team and 2 guys shooting it lights out. I don’t think it can last.
Where on the court are you? We'll all wave to you!
Right behind the Powerade. My friend was honorary captain tonight. Looks like Myles took a shot in the mouth.
LB state shooting 66.7% at the moment. UCLA very lucky to be tied right now
Yeah, 67% from the field and 80% from 3 right now.
UCLA needs to be fouling more… can’t let them get easy layups
Clark playing the 5 right now?
Myles has 2… don’t think they trust nwuba right now
Sotting right behind the bench. Myles was being treated for something facial. Perhaps a bloody nose.
Again… if you’re gonna foul… teach em whose court it is
Great feed from Clark to Juzang. We need more of that
Halftime: U.C.L.A. 48 - CSULB 45
And LB finishes the half at 67% from the field and 80% from 3. Geez. Scorching.
Good night, Bruins. I'm on the wrong coast. Go Bruins!
Good night, kj.
That Marriott ad is way too bright for the TV
UCLA with 4 fouls in a minute and a half
Bruins going small to match the Beach's speed.
Johnson has 3 fouls.
Nice, some good D and missed shots by LB leading to breaks and easy baskets for the Bruins.
Jules shot has improved a lot in the off-season
The Beach now shooting 69% from the field, yet the Bruins are up by 14. 16 TOs by LB is helping out
Jules with 20 now.
Love Clark's game. Patient, smart, controlled but energetic.
Thanks for the great updates! I am out of town with no Pac12 network. Reading the thread and checking the score.
You are a god! Even with spotty internet I got it!
Yay!
Do you have the Pac-12 Now app? That's how I'm watching in exile.
Jules with the steal and layup. Bruins up 73-58 with 11:02 left
18 TOd for LB. Bruins with 21 more FGA
4 fouls on Juzang
No, it was Johnson. He has 4
Singleton!
Myles wasn't in there long
Bruins up 78-67 with 8:41 left. LB won't go away, even though they've cooled off to 65%
Clark with the rebound and outback dunk. 8 pts and 6 RB now
And then he drew the charge!
Jaylen Fng Clark!
Sling feed is about a minute behind the livestats so hate to figure out how far behind real time
This has been a very competitive and entertaining game. Beach has a couple of great guards. Very quick and athletic.
Bruins up 92 - 75 with 3:19 left. Playing really well offensively these last 10 minutes.
Jaquez with the layup to get to 99 and a FT coming...
And there's 100
And the final: U.C.L.A. 100 - Long Beach St 79 Bruins Win!!
Man, LB shot the lights out for 30 minutes, but the Bruins shot 58% in the second half and took advantage of 25 turnovers to pull away in the end. Need to tighten up the defense a bit but it was a good all around effort from U.C.L.A. tonight! Have a good night, gang! Go Bruins!!