A Trip Into The Wildcat’s Den – UCLA Vs Arizona Game Information And Preview

When we last left UCLA basketball, the Bruins found themselves in a critical must-win game against the Arizona State Sun Devils. It was THE most important game up to that point because if they Bruins could get a road split this weekend, then they would be in good standing for the NCAA Tournament. Well, the Bruins lost and although they could get a road split, it does not look that likely as UCLA will be locking claws with the #7 Arizona Wildcats in Tucson. Cue the ‘Psycho’ theme.

UCLA Bruins

Records:

UCLA Bruins (16-11, 8-6)

Arizona (23-3, 11-2)

Tip-Off: 6:00 p.m. PT

Location: McKale Center, Tucson, AZ

Capacity – 14,545

Tickets: www.arizonawildcats.com

TV: ESPN

Radio: KLAC AM 570 (Los Angeles)

On-line: TuneIn

Betting Line: N/A

Projected Starting Line-ups:

UCLA – Bryce Alford, Norman Powell, Isaac Hamilton, Kevon Looney, Tony Parker

Arizona – Stanley Johnson, T.J. McConnell, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Brandon Ashley, Kaleb Tarczewski

Jan 28, 2015; Tucson, AZ, USA; A general view of McKale Center during the first half as the Arizona Wildcats play the Oregon Ducksr. Arizona won 90-56. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Preview: So the Bruins had a shot at victory in Tempe against the Sun Devils and they could not finish with a win. That makes getting into the Big Dance a lot harder, especially since the Bruins enter the lion’s Wildcat’s den as they take on Arizona for the first and possibly the only time this season. Seriously though, the Pac-12 really needs to figure that out. How can one of the biggest rivalries in college basketball only have one contest a season?

Anyway, the Bruins are going to have a hard time against this Top 10 program especially since they are not the best away from Pauley Pavilion. In fact, they are 3-10. That does not stack up well, especially against the Wildcat’s home record, a perfect 14-0 this season. Impressive right? That is nothing compared to their 35-game home win streak.

Every starter on this Arizona team is incredible and will give UCLA fits up and down the court. Stanley Johnson, T.J. McConnell and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson not only lead Arizona in scoring (all three averaging double-digit scoring) but rebounds as well. Not only that, but six Wildcats score at least eight points a game. Not only are they well rounded team but also have a few off the bench that will contribute.

Feb 19, 2015; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Sean Miller and forward Stanley Johnson (5) talk during the second half against the Southern California Trojans at McKale Center. Arizona won 87-57. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Now as for UCLA, well, it is not as if they do not have a chance, but considering all of the Bruin’s inconsistencies on the road, it is a safe bet to take Arizona on this one. BUT!!! If UCLA can replicate some of their better games this season, they might have a shot. That includes:

• Getting the ball into the low post. Against ASU, the Bruin guards shot the ball 40 times. Tony Parker and Kevon Looney only shot it 12 times (Parker once).
• Stop shooting long, contested three-pointers, especially Bryce Alford and Isaac Hamilton who collectively went 2-for-11 at ASU.
• Switch-up the defense like they did in the win against Utah. That defensive game plan confused the Utes and took them out of the game. The Bruins have to do this or something similar if they want to beat Arizona because they cannot do it with a straight-up fight.

December 3, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Tony Parker (23) moves to the basket against the Cal State Fullerton Titans during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

If UCLA can attack in a way that Sean Miller and the Wildcats will not expect, then it is possible for the Bruins to get the upset. That is why there are two…

Predictions:

If UCLA plays a tough, consistent game, they win a close one, 72-71.

If they don’t, Arizona wrecks them 78-52.