The Bruins Look To Heat Things Up In The Desert – UCLA VS Arizona State Game Preview And Information

Well hasn’t this game turned out to be a crucial match-up for both Arizona State and UCLA. It would not have seemed like that at the beginning of the season, but the way things are playing out, this contest is HUGE! For ASU, a win against a top four Pac-12 look really good on their post-season resume, although at this point it seems that winning the conference tournament is their only chance to dance in the NCAAs. As for UCLA, getting at least one win on the road is vital, because on Saturday it might be a bit more difficult as they have a date with the #7 Arizona Wildcats.

UCLA Bruins

Records:

UCLA Bruins (16-10, 8-5)

Arizona State (13-12, 5-7)

Tip-Off: 12:00 p.m. PT

Location: Wells Fargo Arena, Tempe, AZ

Capacity – 14,198

Tickets: thesundevils.com

TV: ESPN2

Radio: KLAC AM 570 (Los Angeles)

On-line: TuneIn

Betting Line: ASU -2.5

Projected Starting Line-ups:

UCLA – Bryce Alford, Norman Powell, Isaac Hamilton, Kevon Looney, Tony Parker

Arizona State – Tra Holder, Gerry Blakes, Shaquielle McKissic, Savon Goodman, Eric Jacobsen

Feb 14, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Bryce Alford (20) controls the ball against Oregon Ducks guard Joseph Young (3) during the game at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Preview: Let us quickly talk about ASU. Ninth-year coach Herb Sendek is not really getting it done this season and though he lost a lot of talent from last season, he has not been able to put together consistent effort in 2014-15. The Sun Devil’s solo moment in the spotlight came just over a week ago when they beat in-state rival Arizona. How they did it is still a mystery.

As for UCLA, they are atrocious when playing away from Pauley Pavilion as they are sporting a 3-9 record. That is a serious “no bueno”.

The Bruins got a solid road victory when they travelled up to Palo Alto a few weeks and beat narrowly escaped Maples Pavilion with a victory. But as it has been all season, the inconsistent Bruins blew it in their next game with a soul-crushing loss to Cal. So with UCLA hitting the road for two games in the desert, which Bruin team will show up? The not-so road warriors? Or the team that has gone 5-1 since a bad showing up in Oregon.

Honestly, though UCLA is nearly unstoppable at home, you have to attribute that to improved play, better chemistry and head coach Steve Alford knowing how to use his players better. The Bruins need to continue to do that on the road and now is the time to show it because they do not, they will get crushed playing away from LA in both the Pac-12 and NCAA tournaments.

Additionally, looking ahead, the game against Arizona in Tucson does not favor them, so to get the much needed road split, the Bruins have to show up against the Sun Devils. A few more flashy dunks by Norman Powell would not hurt either!

Prediction: UCLA 65 – Arizona State 64