UCLA Bounces Back, Defeats UNLV 73-51
The Bruins looked more locked in defensively, taking the problems of the Gonzaga game to heart.
Hey guys, quick and dirty recap here since I’m at the Rose Bowl.
UCLA was never truly at risk in this game, racing out to an early lead over UNLV that they would never relinquish, ultimately winning 73-51. The Bruins shot much better overall than they did against Gonzaga, especially with their open shots, while playing much better on the defensive end. A few things that stood out to me while watching a Twitch stream on my phone:
UCLA eventually went to their best lineup to pull away, which meant putting Jaylen Clark at center and switching everything (Peyton Watson also saw some run with this group, which was equally effective). It’s an admission that Myles Johnson currently is a square peg to the round hole that is UCLA’s defense, but also a signal that Mick Cronin is willing to experiment because he knows he can roll out a death lineup and shut things down at a moment’s notice.
UCLA used a zone in this game! It worked as a change-up, but it’s definitely not something they should rely on consistently.
The Bruins desperately miss Cody Riley on the offensive end. Myles Johnson does not even appear close to it, and Kenneth Nwuba is not much better. Jaylen Clark is an answer defensively but he’s not a big body that can punish guys on the interior.
The defense was much better! It’s still a work in progress, but guys were more active on that end, and I’m more liable to believe the story that guys were sick this week.
Jules Bernard led the Bruins with 18 points. Johnny Juzang and Peyton Watson tied for the team lead with nine rebounds apiece, while Jaime Jaquez led the team with five assists. Bryce Hamilton led UNLV with 15 points.
Go Bruins!!!
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Josh Lewin said that Cody Riley is improving and should be back next week but is not likely to play in the Colorado game on Wednesday. Brief comment made during the UNLV game.
UCLA with a great bounce back after a no show against number 1 Gonzaga. Defense was great and the team seemed to hustle and force unlv out of rhythm all game.
Was still disappointed to see the offense struggle to play as a cohesive unit. Tyger had zero assists and they continue to go one on one a lot as the clock winds down.
I commented on the offense completely coming to a halt with 7 minutes to go. I understand they played a slow tempo most of the game… but for the last 7 minutes, every possession wound up with one person dribbling at the half line until 10 seconds were left. What gives? Do you not trust your offense to do what they’ve been doing all game? I dislike that style of play calling because I feel it sends a message to the players that you don’t trust them on offense not to play smart. Isn’t that what these early games are about? You’re up by 12-20 points, don’t play stupid of course, but play basketball. Taking it all the way down to 10 seconds on every possession after the 7 minute mark just doesn’t make sense to me. I get that things aren’t going perfectly on offense, so work on it maybe?