UCLA defeated Michigan State 63-61 on Feb. 4, improving to 17-6 on the season and 8-4 in the Big Ten. After dropping four straight in January, they have won six in a row, including 3 victories over top 25 ranked teams.
Fans of MSU showed their spirit early on, with “Go Green, Go White” chants echoing in the halls of Pauley Pavilion, a building that typically bleeds Blue and Gold. However, like they always do, Bruin fans responded. Electrified by the attendance of UCLA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the crowd thundered with counter-chants of “UC. LA”.
The players fought intensely on the court as the fans of both squads fought in a battle of cheers and hollers. The game, while often sloppy, was defined by the hustle and grit of Spartans and Bruins alike. It seemed that after every sequence, someone was diving on the ground for a loose ball.
Despite being outrebounded 45-27, UCLA was able to win possessions by dominating the turnover battle. “The story of the game is one stat- points off turnovers,” Coach Mick Cronin stated. The Bruins won it 19 to 4.
UCLA shot just 35% from the field, and 25% from three-point range, far cries from their season averages. Despite this, the team was still able to force stops and win the contest. “Real programs win when you don’t make shots”, Cronin also said. UCLA did just that.
After trailing early, the unit fought back, leading MSU 35-28 at the half. The Spartans refused to quit, however, mustering a comeback of their own, reclaiming the lead 57-56 with just 4:43 to play.
Finally, after nearly eight minutes without a made shot from the field, Lazar Stefanovic sunk a huge three-pointer with just 2:50 remaining, giving UCLA a 61-59 lead. The senior guard played just 13 minutes but put up a very respectable eight points, shooting 3-3 and coming up big when the team needed him.
However, it was Eric Dailey Jr, who was shooting just two of eight on the night that sealed the victory. “The best teams come out when, you know, they’re not hitting shots”, Dailey said, reiterating Cronin’s mantra. In the end, his shooting struggles didn’t matter, as he banked in a strong bucket through contract with just seven seconds left, capping off UCLA’s 63-61 victory.
The Bruins are now 6-1 in games decided by five points or fewer. This ability to demonstrate resilience down to the last buzzer will certainly prove very useful when facing the extreme intensity of the Big Ten Tournament and March Madness.
It isn’t always pretty, but UCLA keeps winning. Michigan State’s coach Tom Izzo remarked “You better hope he keeps yelling”, about Coach Cronin. If yelling is what it takes to beat great teams, the Bruins better hope Cronin doesn’t lose his voice.
UCLA’s #15 Aday Mara towers over the Michigan State defense for a jump shot. The 7-foot-3 sophomore has been a key presence in the Bruins’ frontcourt this season. Photo courtesy of Ross Turteltaub/UCLA Athletics
UCLA’s #34 Tyler Bilodeau hits a jump shot from within the key over Michigan State’s #15 Carson Cooper. Bilodeau contributed to the Bruins’ hard-fought 63-61 victory, with 13 points on the board overall. Photo courtesy of Ross Turteltaub/UCLA Athletics
UCLA’s #2 Dylan Andrews faces off against a Michigan State defender at half court. Photo courtesy of Ross Turteltaub/UCLA Athletics
The Bruins huddle up during the game, strategizing for the next play. UCLA’s teamwork and resilience helped secure a hard-fought 63-61 victory over Michigan State. Photo courtesy of Ross Turteltaub/UCLA Athletics
