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UCLA Basketball: Bruins Dam The Beavers

By Mike Regalado

Jan 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford reacts during an NCAA basketball game against the Southern California Trojans at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford reacts during an NCAA basketball game against the Southern California Trojans at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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The UCLA Basketball team managed to bounce back on the road (shocker!) as they beat Oregon State, 82-73.

So what we have here is called progress. The UCLA Basketball team managed to not only win on the road, but they did it in dominating fashion.

From the start of the game, the Bruins had a certain edge. They seemed to play with a fire that we have not seen on a consistent basis, but has been present in a few games this season. Look back at the Kentucky game for reference.

After getting waxed by crosstown rival USC for the first time in three years one week ago, UCLA needed a game like this to show that they can not only compete in the Pac-12, but show that they can also win on the road.

UCLA Bruins
UCLA Bruins /

UCLA Bruins

Though the Bruins and Beavers were neck and neck in the first few minutes of the game, UCLA used an 8-0 run eight minutes into the game to take a lead that would last the entire game.

The Bruins were once again led by the hot hand of Isaac Hamilton. He continued his double-digit scoring streak (since the Kentucky game) as he collected 10 points halfway through the first. Hamilton eventually ended up with a game-high 25 points on 10-for-14 shooting.

Though it took him a while to charge up, Bryce Alford also sent several daggers the Beaver’s way as he ended his night with 19 points.

Then there were the big men down low. Thomas Welsh recorded his 8th double-double of the season with 10 points and 12 rebounds. His counterpart Tony Parker added 8 points and 11 rebounds and 4 blocks.

Though things were not always working for the Bruin’s front court, Welsh and Parker found ways to take advantage of Oregon State. One of the biggest factors is that they were not in foul trouble, plus they continually gave the OSU big men fits under the boards with mismatches.

The point being, UCLA found a way to not only start strong, but the kept their foot on the gas. True, there were some defensive lapses throughout the game, but there was also some decent effort on the D.

Next: The UCLA Basketball All-Time Team

This is good momentum for the Bruins as they now head to Eugene for a mid-Saturday battle with the Oregon Ducks who are currently tied for fourth in the Pac-12 Conference.

P.S. I want to thank thank Go Joe Bruin follower Charles (@MBoroGooner on Twitter) for the title idea. Bravo, sir!