UCLA Basketball: The Bruins Finally Bring It and Crush Colorado at Pauley Pavilion

The UCLA Basketball team put together one of their most complete games of the season as they obliterated the Colorado Buffaloes, 77-53.

You should not be surprised that the UCLA Basketball team defeated Colorado by 24 points. This Bruin team, when playing as a single unit, is capable of so many things.

Though UCLA has been known to be inconsistent, this night was about finding that stability they need to make a possible late season run.

First off, let us start with the big picture… UCLA defeated a very good Colorado basketball team. Sorry… they annihilated a very good Colorado team. The Buffaloes have been very impressive under Head Coach Tad Boyle, and are ranked 33rd in the RPI. That bodes very well for UCLA and their resume.

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As far as an individual game, it was one of the most consistent efforts the Bruins put together all season long. UCLA was trading blows early on but was able to pull ahead 44-28 at halftime behind some smart, team-oriented play.

Isaac Hamilton once again came out on fire as he scored in double-digits for the 23rd straight game. Hamilton only needed 20 minutes to accomplish this feat as he had 12 points in the first half and ended the game with 22.

The Bruins also started the game differently as Tony Parker started in place of Thomas Welsh. The change seemed to benefit both players as Parker had 16 points and 6 rebounds whilst Welsh came off the bench for 10 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks. The switch seemed to help them limit Colorado’s top scorer and rebounder Josh Scott who had 9 points and 10 rebounds for the game.

Now if you have seen UCLA Basketball play this year, you know that things can change from one half to the other. Heck, things can change from the first ten minutes of the game to the second 10 minutes, so coming out of the break, it would be interesting to see how the Bruins would respond to a 16-point lead. Would they keep their foot on the gas or slowly let Colorado back in?

Thankfully it was the former as the Bruins did not let up the intensity in the second half. UCLA scored 11 points less than they did in the first half, but also limited Colorado to three fewer points scored after the break as the Bruins held the Buffaloes to 31% shooting for the game.

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Despite the fact that UCLA has to win out to show they are NCAA Tournament worthy (and they have the likes of Cal and Oregon on the horizon) this was pivotal game for the program. Despite the product they have put out before Saturday night, this is proof that the Bruins can go out and beat any team they face.

Now the question is, “can they do this for four more games?”