In the first half of Saturday’s game against the University of Arizona, the Bruins led 30-28 by halftime. UCLA started strong, carrying out a 12-4 scoring run midway through the half, which helped them build an eight-point lead. However, Arizona fought back with a late 10-0 run to briefly take the lead before UCLA regained it just before halftime. UCLA took advantage of Arizona’s turnovers early but struggled with consistent shooting later in the half. Overall, in the first half, UCLA was able to force turnovers and get 16 points.
University of Louisville transfer Skyy Clark led UCLA in the first half by contributing 11 points. Clark seems to be fitting in well with the Bruins and has been a great asset to the team. Oregon State University transfer Tyler Bilodeau led the team on defense during the first half. Sebastian Mack seemed to struggle to get shots in, only scoring four points in the first half; despite this, he does lead UCLA with the most free throw attempts this year.
Bilodeau was able to lead the second half with 12 points despite having a challenging first half. He scored 17 points in total, in addition to three rebounds and one assist. The Bruins got into foul trouble quickly in the second half and had to make readjustments to their gameplay. Although, UCLA had only scored four points in the first six minutes of the second half, the team later found their rhythm and had a 13-2 run, helping them pull within a three-point game. UCLA was able to tie the game at 52-52 with three minutes left in the game.
Oklahoma State University transfer Eric Dailey Jr. then scored a free throw, allowing the Bruins to take the lead for the first time in the second half. With one minute left in the game, Clark got get a huge rebound and got fouled with 6.1 seconds left while UCLA was still holding onto a one point lead. Clark made both free throws and locked in the win.
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Featured Image Photographed by Ryan Zhang/BruinLife
