Jaime Jaquez, Jr. will be one of the seniors honored tonight during pre-game Senior Night festivities. (Photo Credit: Don Liebig/uclabruins.com)
At the beginning of this season, I’m sure everyone circled this game on the calendar. UCLA. Arizona. Last game of the regular season. At Pauley Pavilion. Potentially with the conference race hanging in the balance. So, it is a bit of a letdown that Arizona could not hold up its end of the deal. Certainly, UCLA did, as they’ve only lost twice in conference, but Arizona has been a bit more inconsistent and created a situation where the Bruins had already clinched the conference title race before the final week even began.
That doesn’t mean this game is now devoid of energy.
Come on, who are we kidding?
Even with the conference title race over, this is still UCLA versus Arizona. Emotions were going to be running high no matter what.
The last time these two teams faced off, Arizona was able to hold off a late rally by the Bruins to win 58-52 in Tuscon. If you’re a UCLA fan, you can boil that game down to “boy, UCLA really did not want to hit a single open look all game, huh?” Look all over the box score and you see things that look like pure anomalies. For example, the Bruins shot 31.3% from the field in the entire game, which is, by far, their worst mark of the year (even their two games against Southern Cal, which both featured the Bruins refusing to make shots for an entire half, featured a better field goal percentage). Jaime Jaquez, Jr. went 5-17 from the field, Tyger Campbell was 5-18, and Jaylen Clark was 4-13. David Singleton was starting and did not score a single point. The Bruins had 18 offensive rebounds but only nine 2nd-chance points. Even a month removed from that game, it still doesn’t make a ton of sense.
But things have changed for the Bruins.
For one, Amari Bailey is back in the lineup and, while he’s yet to unlock a high level of play at a consistent level, his return does fix the rotation by moving Singleton back to the bench, and Bailey has played excellent defense since his return. For another, Jaime Jaquez came out of that stretch of play a changed man, taking what had once looked like an easy case for conference player of the year and turning it on its head. Since that Arizona game, Jaquez is averaging almost 20 points per game and has shot at least 40% in all but one game in that stretch. His rise in play has coincided with a more focused UCLA that now finds itself fighting for a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament.
Things have also changed for Arizona, but not necessarily for the better. Yes, they’ve still been an excellent offensive team, but they’ve proven to be weirdly inconsistent and their defense has proven to be an average unit. Arizona lost games to Stanford and Arizona State, in part, due to some comically bad defense allowing both teams to generate open looks seemingly at will, and even an inept team like UC Berkeley was able to shoot almost 42% against them. The Arizona strategy down the stretch has been very simple: they’re going to try and outscore you, plain and simple.
Maybe more surprisingly, Arizona’s players have been inconsistent during this period as well. They’ve won most of their games because this conference is not very good, but a neutral observer probably does not feel good about them at the moment. It starts with Azoulas Tubelis, Arizona’s representative in the Player of the Year race, who looked to have that race wrapped up at the beginning of February, but had a nightmare month punctuated by the Arizona State loss when head coach Tommy Lloyd chose to bench Tubelis at the end of the game due to his poor defense. Tubelis seemed to get back on the right track offensively against Southern Cal on Thursday, but that seemed to be the Wildcats’ plan from the jump as he was fed the ball repeatedly. I think Jaquez has essentially wrapped up the POTY race with his February performance and the fact that the Bruins won the conference handily, but this will be Tubelis’ last chance at swaying the voters. So, you can imagine he’ll come out firing.
Also likely to come out firing will be Kerr Kriisa. Kriisa remains the same frustrating player he’s always been, with a solid ability as a distributor but an infuriating capacity to hunt for his own shot on the outside. The game plan against the Wildcats has always been to try and goad him into taking a lot of three-point attempts, because despite the fact that he makes them at a healthy clip (37.6% on the season), a game where Kriisa is shooting a lot of threes is often not one that Arizona wins. Much like Tubelis, I expect Kriisa to come prepared for this game, but not because he’s playing for any recognition, but rather to wipe away the memory of his last game at Pauley Pavilion, a miserable game where Kriisa went 0-11 from the field, 0-9 from three, and had to endure the cheers of the UCLA faithful every time he touched the ball.
The rest of the Wildcats are what they are at this point. Courtney Ramey is perhaps the Wildcat to watch out for the most here, as he possesses an ability to take over games that most of the others don’t possess. He’s capable of big scoring nights, such as the 26-point show he put on against Stanford where he was seemingly the only Wildcat who cared about the game, and he’s usually good about not shooting the ball too much if his shot isn’t falling. Oumar Ballo dominated UCLA in the last matchup during the first half, but his poor second half precipitated a drop-off in his production. After scoring double-digit points in every game leading into and including the first UCLA meeting, Ballo has only accomplished that in five of the 10 games since, with Arizona seemingly moving away from him offensively since that game. Cedric Henderson was inserted into the starting lineup during the week of the last matchup, and he’s carried himself well, but it’s only in the last six games that he’s seen his minutes increase by a noticeable amount. Similarly, that happens to represent the timeframe where Arizona began to struggle again.
Tommy Lloyd employs a short rotation, which means we’ll see a lot of their two main bench pieces, but it represents a weakness that has started to rear its head regarding fitness. Pelle Larsson was moved out of the starting lineup to make way for Henderson, though Larsson still finds himself on the court at the end of games. Larsson has maybe been Arizona’s best player in the past month, being much more consistent on the offensive end (while still being bad defensively). Kylan Boswell is Arizona’s youngest player, being only 17, and while he has held up well considering his age and the length of the season, Arizona does not ask him to do much or carry the load offensively. His 14 points against Southern Cal represented just the third time he’s scored double-digit points this year and was one shy of his career high.
I think there’s going to be a question about what kind of mental state Arizona is going to be in going into this game. The loss to Arizona State not only removed their slim chance at winning the conference but also seemingly removed them from contention for a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. They desperately needed a split of the LA road trip just to stabilize heading into the tournament, and they got a strong win over Southern Cal on Thursday, so we could potentially see Tommy Lloyd’s squad take a tactical retreat in a game where they could get run over by an emotional UCLA squad. Considering how short their bench is, and with at least two games in a row coming up in the Pac-12 Tournament next week, it would not surprise me to see Lloyd call things off early if it looks like the Bruins are going to run away with things just to save their legs for the NCAA Tournament. That might annoy Arizona fans, but it would be one of the smarter decisions Lloyd has made in recent weeks.
The key to this game for the Bruins may be to manage their emotions. It’s certainly going to be an emotional night for many of them - Jaime Jaquez, David Singleton, and (potentially) Tyger Campbell will be playing their final home game at Pauley Pavilion, and we don’t know about the status of guys like Jaylen Clark, Amari Bailey, and Adem Bona for next year. The game has been sold out for over a month, and the arena will be rocking well before tip-off. That’s a lot for the Bruins to process in a short amount of time, especially because they have not had many opportunities to experience this kind of atmosphere this year. The closest they’ve gotten at home is the Southern Cal game, where the Bruins rode that emotion to a large halftime lead, but suffered a letdown in the second half and had to hold on for a victory. If you look back at that last meeting, UCLA still did so many things right, but just did not hit their shots. I don’t see that being a problem in the rematch.
The game lacks the stakes that it once had before the season, but this is still a big game. As a certain famous redhead is prone to saying: “the fate of the known world hangs in the balance.”
Tonight’s game will be on ESPN with Roxy Bernstein and Bill Walton. If you prefer, you can listen to Josh Lewin and Tracy Murray. Just be sure to right-click on it so that you can open up another tab and have it going while you chat in the comments below. Listen to tonight’s game online.
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Hi everyone, I am at the Ackerman Union already, chatting with many of the fellow season ticket holders. It is jammed packed with students too. We are excited, we are all bumped up for the game while the entire area, far as my eyes can see, feel like a carnival going on. We exchanged stories of our last home game on campus before graduation. One of them said during Howland's era, we beat Arizona in the last home game of the season and John Wooden's grandson or great grandson put in a rebound basket as the game clock was winding down. Do any of you recall that epic moment ? He said the entire Pauley trembled because of the deafening cheers and people stomping their feet hard in sheer ecstasy. If you never experienced PANDEMONIUM, he said that was it in every sense of the word.
Oops, the chancellor just walked by too. So gracious of him and missus to come and cheer for the trio of seniors who are at the verge of putting UCLA back where its belongs with a possible #12 !!! Yeah !!!!
We are in the house that Wooden built, finally ! The air feels electrifying inside. Someone yelled out something to the TV commentators and they laughed out loud. Whatever was said, my goodness !
My daughter said that students started lining up for tix before midnight last night. Excellent!
I've been doing plenty of complaining lately (surprise, right?) about the lack of respect for our Bruins, how that dumbass Lunardi has them as a tourney 2 seed, how BSPN took College Game Day to see a couple fringe teams in Carolina...but really my complaints don't matter. U.C.L.A. controls its own destiny, and our boys can lock up that one seed and silence the haters and prove Lunardi an idiot by taking care of business and honoring our seniors the right way tonight. LFG, Bruins!!
A student band member just put on an incredible emulation of Michael Jackson's moon walk !! Wow, someone tossed him a baseball cap and, LOL, he puts it on and boy oh boy, where is CNN, ABC, NBC ???? What a thriller it is.
Cronin just stepped out to talk with the press. Whatever he is saying, I want to know too, LOL !!! But a Pauley attendant keeps me back. Oh please, do I have to show this young man my UCLA diploma or what ?!?
Lots of upsets today. Tennessee, Kansas, Kansas State, Alabama and Baylor all went down, which could greatly impact UCLA's seeding if they win tonight. Baylor and Kansas State both lost to very mediocre teams and they were thought to threaten UCLA's ability to hold a 2-seed in the West according to ESPN.
Fans are pouring in now. It looks as if the temperature must be dropping precipitously. They are bundled up. When we arrived around four, there was still some warm sunshine.
Someone just told me they are all Steve Alford's recruits. They stick it out with Cronin through thick and thin, come hell or high water. Such incredible young men. The don't make them any better than this trio !
Some of us started talking about the extension you-know-who received. Ai ya ya, not now, not now please I know how they feel but let's enjoy this game first. Tomorrow is another day, folks.
There is a heightened sense of anticipation inside Pauley because the seniors and their families are about to be honored. I will stop chatting soon because I want to really soak in the moment. They are such incredible players.
Got to go to bathroom, LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The atmosphere inside Pauley is getting insane now, impossibly heated as we speak. Guys, we will chat some more after the game. I know you all will be hollering at home as much as we are inside Pauley. Sore throat be darned. Who cares ? LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi everyone, I am at the Ackerman Union already, chatting with many of the fellow season ticket holders. It is jammed packed with students too. We are excited, we are all bumped up for the game while the entire area, far as my eyes can see, feel like a carnival going on. We exchanged stories of our last home game on campus before graduation. One of them said during Howland's era, we beat Arizona in the last home game of the season and John Wooden's grandson or great grandson put in a rebound basket as the game clock was winding down. Do any of you recall that epic moment ? He said the entire Pauley trembled because of the deafening cheers and people stomping their feet hard in sheer ecstasy. If you never experienced PANDEMONIUM, he said that was it in every sense of the word.
Ten more minutes, doors to Pauley will open and we are already on our way.
Oops, the chancellor just walked by too. So gracious of him and missus to come and cheer for the trio of seniors who are at the verge of putting UCLA back where its belongs with a possible #12 !!! Yeah !!!!
We are in the house that Wooden built, finally ! The air feels electrifying inside. Someone yelled out something to the TV commentators and they laughed out loud. Whatever was said, my goodness !
My daughter said that students started lining up for tix before midnight last night. Excellent!
I've been doing plenty of complaining lately (surprise, right?) about the lack of respect for our Bruins, how that dumbass Lunardi has them as a tourney 2 seed, how BSPN took College Game Day to see a couple fringe teams in Carolina...but really my complaints don't matter. U.C.L.A. controls its own destiny, and our boys can lock up that one seed and silence the haters and prove Lunardi an idiot by taking care of business and honoring our seniors the right way tonight. LFG, Bruins!!
Today is going to be a good test of Bona's growth to guard without fouling which is going to be so big in the Tourney
A student band member just put on an incredible emulation of Michael Jackson's moon walk !! Wow, someone tossed him a baseball cap and, LOL, he puts it on and boy oh boy, where is CNN, ABC, NBC ???? What a thriller it is.
Cronin just stepped out to talk with the press. Whatever he is saying, I want to know too, LOL !!! But a Pauley attendant keeps me back. Oh please, do I have to show this young man my UCLA diploma or what ?!?
Lots of upsets today. Tennessee, Kansas, Kansas State, Alabama and Baylor all went down, which could greatly impact UCLA's seeding if they win tonight. Baylor and Kansas State both lost to very mediocre teams and they were thought to threaten UCLA's ability to hold a 2-seed in the West according to ESPN.
Fans are pouring in now. It looks as if the temperature must be dropping precipitously. They are bundled up. When we arrived around four, there was still some warm sunshine.
Hi all - looking for a great win tonight. I don't see our chant started yet, so let me start it!!
U - Clap! Clap!
Let's toast our seniors. They have come so far. They have done so much. Thank you, thank you guys !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Someone just told me they are all Steve Alford's recruits. They stick it out with Cronin through thick and thin, come hell or high water. Such incredible young men. The don't make them any better than this trio !
Looks like Pauley will be packed to the brim tonight. People are coming in every direction.
Some of us started talking about the extension you-know-who received. Ai ya ya, not now, not now please I know how they feel but let's enjoy this game first. Tomorrow is another day, folks.
There is a heightened sense of anticipation inside Pauley because the seniors and their families are about to be honored. I will stop chatting soon because I want to really soak in the moment. They are such incredible players.
A! Clap Clap Clap
U C L A - Fight! Fight! Fight!
Got to go to bathroom, LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The atmosphere inside Pauley is getting insane now, impossibly heated as we speak. Guys, we will chat some more after the game. I know you all will be hollering at home as much as we are inside Pauley. Sore throat be darned. Who cares ? LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
U clap clap!
Russell Stong dunked in warmups!
Wonder how much Big Red will be rooting for AZ tonight; he's a homer for them
Afternoon everyone LFG Bruins!
Let's go!!!
Wow it's loud in Pauley!
Strong starting - great move by Cronin.
My heart rate is already up!
Stong starting!!!
Good to sea Silk looking healthy and comfortable.
Love Cronin for starting our seniors-- class act!!
Well, we're missing shots and not getting rebounds so far... stop me if you've heard this...
Let's go, defense!!
Jaime, O-reb and 2!
Jaquez is energized!
Ok - let's put a stop to this right now.
Sheet, can't buy a basket, down 9-2.
Another cold start
Wait, they called a technical on Jaylen? WTF??
Cold as ice. Let's stop shooting 3s and drive to the hoop.
Arizona is going to give us all the 3-pointers we can take and just pack the paint. Not the worst strategy for them but we have to make them pay.
This media time-out may really help us refocus and start anew.
Make your shots, Bruins
C’mon pull it together
OMG how can we be this cold at home??
They should not be rattled, but they are playing nervous.
Not making shots. Not defending. Not a winning combination.
Wow - this is awful!!!!
Can’t buy a basket
Jaime misses a three, not a good sign.
Wow, they got away with holding on Jaquez twice
And Bona to the bench for the rest of the half. This could get ugly.