After a suspenseful game against Minnesota (14-12, 6-9 Big Ten) and UCLA (19-8, 10-6 Big Ten), UCLA was defeated 64-61. UCLA men’s basketball started off strong in the first half, maintaining a 17-point lead and a final score of 34-23. However, they struggled to maintain their lead in the second half, with Minnesota eventually taking the win.
At the beginning of the first half, UCLA was dominating. The Bruins had a 44.8% shooting from the field while also making 100% of the free throws. Tyler Bilodeau was noteworthy as he made 4-for-5 from the field with a total of four rebounds. Kobe Johnson was also noteworthy as he made 3-for-5 from the field.
Minnesota struggled to keep up as they had four shot clock violations, at this pace it looked as though UCLA would keep the upper hand but this would eventually take a sudden turn.
With a nail-biting close to the game, Minnesota would take the lead for the first time at the 1:02 mark within the second half. Lu’Cye Patterson drove inside the paint for a layup, bringing the Golden Gophers to a lead, 60-59. Although UCLA quickly rose back up as Sebastian Mack made a layup bringing UCLA to a one-point lead of 61-60.
The crowd erupted as Eric Daily Jr. rebounded after a missed three-point shot from Patterson. Daily was fouled by Minnesota player, Femi Odukale. Unfortunately, the two foul shots were missed by Daily and Patterson once again would make another layup bringing the score to 62-61 with only eight seconds left.
UCLA struggled for one last shot and instead fouled Dawson Garcia, who would then make all free throws sending Minnesota into a 64-61 victory.
Garcia was a standout player on the Golden Gophers as he had 32 points with 9-for-15 shooting as well as having eight rebounds.
UCLA’s Mick Cronin was interviewed shortly after the game with comments such as “Hugely disappointing effort”. This would’ve been a 500th victory for Cronin had they won.
“They out-rebound us… so, hugely disappointing effort, is really all I got to say” said Cronin. “We didn’t play well. We were poorly coached, that’s why we don’t play well.”
UCLA will now prepare for their next game against Ohio State this Sunday at Pauley Pavilion.
