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UCLA Basketball: 5 Reasons the Bruins Will Win the Pac-12 Tournament

By Mike Regalado

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January 5, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford signals to his players against the California Golden Bears during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 5, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford signals to his players against the California Golden Bears during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Defensive Coaching?

But UCLA does not play any defense…

That might have been true for two thirds of the season, but in the last nine games the Bruins have shown more dedication to running a proper defense. Coincidentally, that has paralleled UCLA’s 9-game win streak.

Related Story: Steve Alford, The Real Pac-12 Coach of the Year

The Bruins occasionally were left without options when their offense was not clicking. Earlier in the season, that would have been bad as the Bruins did not have defense to back them up.

Then Steve Alford, who should’ve won the Pac-12 Coach of the Year, made an effort to start playing defense and it has paid dividends for UCLA.

Hands are up, Bruins are getting in passing lanes, there are 3/4 court presses and even an occasional double-team. Now, when the Bruins are not getting buckets, they can slow their opponents on the other end. It is not perfect, but it is effective.