UCLA Basketball: Bruins Can’t Duck Oregon
The UCLA Basketball team continued their lackluster efforts as the Bruins once again fell on the road at the hands of the Oregon Ducks.
It was another forgettable game for UCLA Basketball up in Eugene. Just like last year, the Bruins succumbed to the Ducks who have been very good in their home arena. This year in particular, Oregon has been perfect at Matt Knight Arena and they kept it that way with an 86-72 victory over the Bruins.
Aside from the first five minutes, where the Bruins were matching the Duck’s every basket, Oregon was in complete control.
UCLA fell into their old habit’s… again. Their offense, which they rely heavily on to get them out of jams, was once again absent. In the first half, the Bruins shot less than 35%. For the game they shot 43.5% from the field. As for their defense, well, as you know, there really isn’t any. Oregon shot 48.5% for the game.
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Freshman Aaron Holiday was the only factor in this contest for UCLA. He ended the game with a season-high 19 points as he went 5-for-12. It says something about the Bruins, who have had the deepest roster in the Steve Alford-era (which includes a core of veterans) when a freshman has to do all the work in a tough road environment.
Though UCLA was down 10 at the half (41-31), they managed to battle their way back as they got to within 4 points several times early in the second. The Bruin big men Thomas Welsh (16 pts) and Tony Parker (11 pts) helped that charge, but with no support from the rest of the team in the second half, Oregon kept pulling away to double-digit leads.
In particular, Dillon Brooks seemingly did whatever he wanted to the Bruin defense. He finished the night with 25 points as he slashed, shot and completely tore the Bruin’s defense apart.
Needless to say, it was another porous effort by UCLA as they were not only ill-prepared for this contest, but also failed to put up a fight, which is something UCLA has lacked since conference play has started. Right now the Bruins are 3-4 in the Pac-12 as they are holding onto the 9th place spot.
Next: The UCLA Basketball All-Time Team
The Bruins return to action next Thursday when they welcome the Washington schools to Pauley Pavilion before they set out on a 3-game road trip to USC, Arizona and Arizona State.