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UCLA Basketball: Bruins Slowed in Win Over Nebraska

By Mike Regalado

Nov 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Bryce Alford (20) attempts a shot defended by Long Beach State 49ers forward Roschon Prince (23) during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Bryce Alford (20) attempts a shot defended by Long Beach State 49ers forward Roschon Prince (23) during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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The UCLA Basketball got a dose of reality in their win over Nebraska in the semi-final of the Wooden Legacy.

So this is what it is like for the uptempo UCLA Basketball team to play a proper opponent. The Bruins had their eyes opened in this late-night contest against Nebraska who gave UCLA everything they got in the second round of the Wooden Legacy.

The Cornhuskers’ biggest contributor was Glynn Watson, Jr. who had a game-high 27 points on 10-of-19 shooting. Watson was able to go right at every Bruin that was put in front of him, which was easy due to the fact that UCLA has not been the a solid defensive team.

Though Watson was able to break free for an incredible individual effort, this was a decent overall defensive game for the Bruins. UCLA was able to hold Nebraska to 38.7% shooting (29-of-75).

There was a more concerted effort to limit Nebraska’s scoring, especially under the rim. UCLA had eight collective blocks from five different players, with TJ Leaf, Gyorgy  Goloman and Ike Anigbogu slapping away two each.

On the offensive side, the Bruins were slowed by the aggressive Cornhuskers. Early in the second half, Nebraska was able to pull within 3 points after being down by double-digits. The Bruins were able to extend their lead and pulled away toward the end of regulation.

Once again, all five starters scored in double figures with Bryce Alford leading the charge with 18 points. Thomas Welsh collected his 4th double-double of the year with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

The most unusual stat of the night came from Lonzo Ball, who despite scoring 13 points, had 5 fouls. That is right, he fouled out of his first collegiate game. Though the final call was suspect, it did bring the super freshman back down to earth. Expect Ball to play a little more focused in UCLA’s next contest.

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The Bruins next play Texas A&M on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. PT at the Honda Center in Anaheim on the Wooden Legacy championship game.