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UCLA Vs Cal: How To Watch on TV and Online

By Mike Regalado

Feb 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Isaac Hamilton (10) extends his hand out to the bench during the first half against the Colorado Buffaloes at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Isaac Hamilton (10) extends his hand out to the bench during the first half against the Colorado Buffaloes at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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The UCLA Bruins begin the first of their last four games of the regular season tonight as they play Cal and try to improve their NCAA Tournament resume.

If UCLA wants to get to the NCAA Tournament, a win at Cal would help. The Bruins are currently two games under .500 in the Pac-12 and their hopes of making the NCAA Tournament are quickly dwindling, but you know this. WE ALL KNOW THIS!

RELATED: UCLA Basketball and the Oscillating Hot Seat

Basically, UCLA needs to FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT and WIN WIN WIN (WIN — they need four wins to finish two games above .500) if they hope to have any chance of making The Big Dance, though that is not guaranteed.

With this game on the road, which this UCLA Basketball team has trouble with, the odds are stacked against them. The funny thing is, when they collectively have their heads in the game, they can beat anyone. They just choose not to.

Records: UCLA Bruins (15-12, 6-8), California Golden Bears (19-8, 9-5)

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Tipoff: 6:00 p.m. PT

Location: Haas Pavilion (Cap.: 11,887)

Tickets: calbears.com

TV: ESPN2

Live Stream: ESPN Watch

Radio: AM 570 Los Angeles

On-line Radio: Tune-In

Betting Line: Cal -6.5, O/U: 146.5

Now I am not saying the Bruins make a conscious decision to win or lose, they just do not consistently have that mentality to enter games ready to do battle. A lot of the time the Bruins need several minutes to get their flow going which could spell trouble especially if their opponents are able to go on an early run.

If UCLA gets left behind, it is possible for them to fight their way back into the game, but for the most part it is a battle they often lose.

So what do the Bruins need to do to win?

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1. Come Out Swinging! – I am not talking about jacking up three point shots in hope that one or two fall, but actually playing controlled basketball, especially on offense. Get the guards open to make uncontested shots, get the ball down to low to Tony Parker and Thomas Welsh, let Isaac Hamilton loose and have be the main Aaron Holiday facilitator (the ball needs to be in his hands most of the night and not Bryce Alford‘s).

2. Defense, Clap Clap! – The Bruins have showed that they can play defense, so they should try to continue that “trend” tonight. UCLA needs to stay in front of the ball and not allow Cal to get easy looks at the basket.

The Bruins need to limit Cal’s top four scorers Jaylen Brown, Tyrone Wallace, Jordan Matthews and Ivan Rabb from getting easy shots off. One way they can do that is substitute the “matador defense” (which is basically UCLA stepping to the side and allowing easy scores) for some face-up defense, if that is possible. But we will see.

3. Step On The Gas – If the Bruins are able to grab a lead, they need to not get complacent and let the Bears claw their way back in. If Cal is behind, no need to hold back, kick’em while they are down, they would do the same.

Seriously though, UCLA needs to develop a killer instinct, something they have lacked this the season. The Bruins need their juniors, senior and their coach to step up and keep the fire in this team lit.

That means they would actually have to put out some effort to obtain a win, which is possible, but if they fall into old habits (no defense, holding on to the ball too long (Bryce!) and forcing shots), then Cal has already won. So what will happen?

Next: The UCLA Basketball All-Time Team

Praediction: UCLA 68 – Cal 73