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UCLA Basketball: Bruin Front Court Comes Up Big Against ASU

By Mike Regalado

January 21, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Kobi Simmons (2) controls the ball against UCLA Bruins guard Bryce Alford (20) during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 21, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Kobi Simmons (2) controls the ball against UCLA Bruins guard Bryce Alford (20) during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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The UCLA Basketball team may have struggled against Arizona State, but the game was saved by the big men who put out their best collective effort all season.

The UCLA Basketball team has been nothing short of entertaining. With their uptempo offense, which consists of a plethora of outside shots, highlight reel dunks and effective short-range jumpers, the Bruins mainly play one style of basketball.

We usually only see action underneath the net on an individual basis, sometimes coming in the form of double-doubles.

It was a different story against Arizona State as all the big men got into the action which we give a big “8 Clap” to!

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Thomas Welsh, TJ Leaf, Ike Anigbogu and even Gyorgy Goloman were forces to be reckoned with in the paint last night in Tempe.

UCLA won 87-75, but the majority of those points came under the hoop. UCLA outscored Arizona State 50-22 in the paint.

The charge was led by Leaf who was the only factor early on in the game. He scored in double digits before halftime and ended with 25 total. Those points came on 11/16 shooting (68.8%), which will add to his Pac-12 leading field goal percentage. He also had nine rebounds

Welsh continued to do very Welsh things in a very Welsh way with 8 points, 11 rebounds and 1 block. Goloman only played 11 minutes with 4 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist and 1 block, but it was time well spent when he was on the court.

The surprise of the night came from Anigbogu who had his best offensive game of the season with 12 points, shooting 5/7 from the field. His defense, which is his staple, was also stellar as he grabbed 6 rebounds and had 3 blocks.

Next: Bruins Get a Scare in Win Over ASU

The Bruins are heating up at the right time and to see the big men as active as they were against the Sun Devils is making UCLA Basketball fans nod their heads in approval. If they can continue on like this, then that bodes well for them in the post-season.