To extend their win streak to seven, UCLA men’s basketball takes a dominant 78-54 win over the Penn State Nittany Lions. Today’s victory over fellow Big Ten team brings the Bruins’ record up to 9-4 in the conference. UCLA had a strong showing against the Lions, holding a double-digit lead throughout a majority of the game.
The Saturday afternoon crowd at Pauley Pavilion was filled with mostly younger kids and families for UCLA’s LA Strong celebration, where first responders were appreciated and two local members from the Pasadena Fire Department were honored with game balls. The Bruins seemed to put on a show for the crowd, who expressed their thrill over the steals and slam dunks that permeated the game.
The first half was defined by an impressive 13 points off seven steals, highlighted by an 11-0 scoring run against the Lions. UCLA senior guard Kobe Johnson was the first on the board with a layup assisted by junior guard Skyy Clark. Johnson and Clark were part of the top performers of today’s matchup, the two going for 15 and 14 points, respectively. Johnson also topped the team in rebounds and assists, with a total of 13 rebounds and six assists aiding the Bruins’ commanding presence over the Lions. Johnson was responsible for four of the Bruins’ 13 steals.
UCLA laid heavy on slam dunks, with Clark, Johnson, Aday Mara, Dylan Andrews and William Kyle III all going up for a jam. Kyle III’s dunk and block on the Lions’ senior guard Ace Baldwin Jr. capped off an exciting first half for the Bruins, who went into the half with an already significant 13-point lead.
The visiting Penn State team, plagued with turnovers and missed field goal attempts, was never able to shave down their deficit. The only time the Lions were battling for the lead was halfway through the first half, with senior forward Zach Hicks putting up promising points in the paint before cooling down in the second half. Hicks was the top scorer for the Lions with 14 points, trailed by Baldwin Jr. and senior guard Nick Kern Jr. with nine a piece. Despite a low 38% field goal percentage, Penn State was nearly 100% for their free throws, going 11 for 12 to the Bruins’ 11 for 15.
UCLA’s junior forward Tyler Bilodeau hit a milestone 1000 career points and was acknowledged in the stadium to cheers from Bruin fans. Bilodeau ended the day going five for 11 from the field for 11 points. UCLA men’s basketball is on the road next week, with an exciting matchup against #23 Illinois on Tuesday and Indiana on Friday before hosting the Minnesota Golden Gophers back at home on February 18.
UCLA forward Tyler Bilodeau rises for a jump shot during the Bruins’ game against Penn State. He finished the night with 11 points, two rebounds, and one assist, helping UCLA extend their winning streak. Photo courtesy of Ross Turteltaub/UCLA Athletics
UCLA guard Dylan Andrews shoots from the top of the key during the Bruins’ matchup against Penn State. He contributed across the board with five points, three rebounds, and three assists to help secure the team’s dominant victory. Photo courtesy of Ross Turteltaub/UCLA Athletics
UCLA guard Sebastian Mack goes up for a smooth basket during the Bruins’ matchup against Penn State. He tallied 14 points, adding to UCLA's 24-point final lead. Photo courtesy of Ross Turteltaub/UCLA Athletics
