On Saturday evening, the UCLA Bruins hosted the Maryland Terrapins in Pasadena at the Rose Bowl. The Bruins defeated the Terrapins to extend their winning streak to three. They have proven once again they are not a one-hit wonder, they fought until the very end. With UCLA’s starting quarterback #9 Nico Iamaleava going down and Maryland scoring a touchdown to tie the game in the last few minutes, it wasn’t looking good for the Bruins. But when it came down to a field goal to win the game, UCLA’s kicker #94 Mateen Bhaghani delivered and secured the win for the Bruins.
The game started off quiet as neither team was able to put any points on the board. The Bruins received the ball first but soon after UCLA’s #49 Will Karoll punted to Maryland. Maryland wasn’t able to do much either as they punted from the eleven yard line shortly after receiving the ball from UCLA.
A pair of UCLA defenders tackle a Terrapin. Photographed by Aamani Maddukuri/BruinLife.
The second quarter had both the Bruins and Terrapins on their feet as both managed to score at the Rose Bowl. Early in the second quarter, Maryland attempted a pass into the end zone but was incomplete forcing a fourth down. Maryland’s kicker #36 Sean O’Haire came out for the 24 yard field goal attempt and he made it, allowing Maryland to take the lead against UCLA in the second quarter. The Maryland Terrapins now up by three while the UCLA Bruins were still looking to put numbers on the board.
Soon after, UCLA’s #22 Anthony Frias II, scores the first touchdown for the Bruins. Bruins rose to their feet in celebration as the red shirt senior completed a 55 yard touchdown. Bhaghani’s extra point was good and the Bruins now take the lead against the Terrapins. UCLA 7, Maryland 3. Later in the second quarter, Iamaleava gets sacked by Maryland’s #40 Nashir Taylor. Maryland’s #0 DeJuan Williams fumbles and the ball and is recovered by UCLA’s #6 JonJon Vaughns.
The Bruins and the Terrapins at the line of scrimmage. Photographed by Aamani Maddukuri/BruinLife.
Iamaleava is able to get an 18 yard complete pass to #3 Kwazi Gilmer and the play goes under review. During the review, Maryland’s #3 Trey Reddick was penalized and disqualified for the remainder of the game. With fifty six seconds left in the first half, Iamaleava’s pass was intercepted by Maryland’s #22 Jalen Huskey. The second quarter ends with UCLA leading 7-3.
Both teams came out after halftime and Maryland received the ball. Maryland’s starting quarterback #7 Malik Washington attempts to throw for a touchdown but is unsuccessful and UCLA receives the ball back on the second yard line. Unfortunately for the Bruins, Iamaleava’s throws his second interception of the night and allows Maryland’s #14 Jamare Glasker to score an eight yard touchdown. Their kicker scores the extra point and the Maryland Terrapins now lead 7-10.
Mikey Matthews carries the ball while being pursued by Carlton Smith. Photographed by Aamani Maddukuri/BruinLife.
In the fourth quarter Bhaghani attempted a fifty six field goal which was no good. Near the end of the game Iamaleava begins to throw long passes to get near the endzone. During a fourth down, Iamaleava goes for it and he completes the pass for a first down. The Bruins go crazy as UCLA gets near the endzone and there’s only minutes left. Iamaleava throws to #7 Mikey Matthews and he catches it for their second touchdown of the game. Bruins are in disbelief as UCLA now leads Maryland 14-10. With less than three minutes left, Iamaleava goes down and limps off the field. However, he was able to return after being cleared. Maryland gets the ball and with very little time left, they score a touchdown and get the extra point to tie the game. Iamaleava returns and quickly throws long passes in an attempt to kick for a field goal. With three seconds left, the 24 yard kick from Bhaghani is good, the Bruins are able to extend their winning streak. Next week, UCLA gets ready to go on the road facing #3 Indiana.
Kanye Clark and Jamir Benjamin celebrate their victory. Photographed by Aamani Maddukuri/BruinLife.
