UCLA Basketball Demolish Another Opponent As They Once Again Score Over 100 Points, Beat Nicholls State 107-74
UCLA basketball (3-0) had welcomed their third opponent of the season to Pauley Pavilion, the Nicholls State Colonels (0-2), and promptly showed them the door in another rout that is proving these Bruins are for real. Behind some excellent shooting from every starter, UCLA showed that they are going to be an offensive weapon this year. In an improved effort, the Bruins went 38 of 68 (55.9%) from the field and 11 of 21 (52.9%) from behind the arc. And there were several dunks as well.
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The first half started even for about the first two minutes but then UCLA slowly pull away. Six minutes in, the Bruins went on a 26-4 run that spanned 8 minutes and became one of the best shows in town! The Bruins had several incredible plays which included behind-the-legs-then-around-the-back passes, three-pointers being drained from multiple players and dunks galore! Several times throughout the night it seemed as if Norman Powell was going to put a dent into a rim as he was attacking with ferocity and power of a grizzly. And that was just the first half. UCLA led at the break 60-29. Powell finished with 23 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists.
Isaac Hamilton tells Norman Powell, "I'll be Alley, you be Oop, and we'll win #NSUvsUCLA Play of the Game!" #DunkFace http://t.co/kSg4cms3pE
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) November 21, 2014
Kevon Looney was again a beast on the boards as he grabbed a game-high 14 rebounds, five of which were offensive. He even scored 12 points, many that were put-backs off of said rebounds. Keep an eye on this kid because he is going to be huge for the Bruins this year.
The biggest splash of the game was from Bryce Alford. In just three games he has become the point guard that nobody expected him to be. Not only was he exceptional (and a bit flashy) with his passes, but he was killer from three-point range. Aside from 8 of 14 field goals, he hit 6 of 11 from the three-point line. He finished with 28 points and got his second double-double of the season as he added 12 assists. This is a Bryce Alford that is out to prove something and he is doing it with a fire inside. It will be interesting to see how he progresses through the season.
From the end of the 1st half, a great behind-the-back feed from Bryce Alford to Isaac Hamilton. #12Best http://t.co/K0LGfZhWn6
— UCLA Men’s Basketball (@UCLAMBB) November 21, 2014
As much as their was Bruin domination, there was also sketchy start to the second half. Nicholls State had made 7 three-pointers that did not exactly put the game out of reach, but did demand the immediate attention of the Bruins. Sloppy play and a stagnant offense had plagued the Bruins for nearly ten minutes until Alford and Powell re-energized UCLA. At one point the Colonels were outscoring the Bruins 35-31, but better play had the Bruins winning the second half 47-45.
Though the second half was a bit of a concern, you could most certainly chalk it up to having a large halftime lead. As seen in their game against Coastal Carolina, the Bruins had the patience and skill to put the Chanticleers away in the second half. Though UCLA slacked off a bit early in the second, they ended strong.