UCLA Defeats Stephen F. Austin To Return To The Sweet Sixteen

Mar 23, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins mascot performs in the second half of a men

They’re back, baby! At least into the Sweet Sixteen, that is. The #4 UCLA Bruins (28-8, 12-6) defeated the #12 Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (32-3, 18-0), 77-60, in a Round of 32 match-up. What was a Cindarella-in-the-making for SFA, is more appropriately dubbed a “revenge match” for UCLA as they make it to their first Sweet 16 since 2008. It is against Florida, a recent nemesis.

Stephen F. Austin was no joke. They had a 29-game winning streak coming into this game against UCLA. They had a spectacular comeback against VCU in the second round of the NCAA tournament and had one the the best season’s in their school’s history. Unfortunately, that had to end tonight against the Bruins.

What was a close game for about 12 minutes, quickly became a UCLA offensive showcase, mixed in with some surprising defense.

UCLA has come into the tournament ready to play, that must be made very clear right now. If they have struggled for an identity all season, they now have one… run and gun basketball.

It must be remembered that the Lumberjacks did a valiant effort to start this game, but UCLA was too much for SFA. The Bruins held the Lumberjack’s leading scorer Jacob Parker to 5 points, which did not bode well for their team who struggled to find some offense all night. Unlike UCLA, SFA did not have multiple guys to go to when they needed buckets.

For the second straight game, a slow starting Kyle Anderson was relieved by hot handed Jordan Adams and Norman Powell. Anderson eventually picked up his game to finish with 15 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists, but it was the play of Adams, who had 19 points, and Powell, who finished with 16, that carried the Bruins, especially when they showed moves this…

What was any hint of a battle in the first half, was quickly extinguished by the fact that UCLA was running away with this game in the second. Stephen F. Austin’s run had come to an end. After their school’s only tournament victory last Friday, the blue collar Lumberjacks end their season. Well played, SFA!

Go Joe Bruin Fun Facts!  

-UCLA did not have a turnover in the last 30 minutes of the game.

-UCLA held SFA to 20-for-57 shooting (35.1%).

-Every Bruin starter talked an assist.

And finally…

Bruin Head Coach Steve Alford has made it to the Sweet 16 in his first year in charge. One of the questions about this hire, which was made approximately one year ago, was if Alford could get past the first weekend. We now have our answer. The new question is… how far can he go?  

The Bruins face an enemy of recent history in the NCAA tournament. The Florida Gators. Since 2006, the Gators have been a thorn in the side of the Bruins. In their three meetings, UCLA has lost them all. The 2006 Championship Game, the 2007 Final Four match-up and a 2011 3rd round contest. If Alford leads UCLA to a victory over Florida, then things will look a lot different for the basketball program. You could say maybe a return-to-prominence in-the-making.

Mike W.R.

Twitter: TheBigDisco