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Can the UCLA Bruins Avoid a Road Sweep Against Washington State?

By Mike Regalado

Jan 1, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Bryce Alford (20) laughs during warm-ups before the start of a game against the Washington Huskies at Alaska Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Bryce Alford (20) laughs during warm-ups before the start of a game against the Washington Huskies at Alaska Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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#25 UCLA Bruins vs Washington State Cougars

So the UCLA Bruins were not able to push post Washington despite forcing two overtimes from key Bryce Alford three-pointers. Unfortunately, like the rest of the night, the team did not come together until late in the game, and by the final frame, the Bruins ran out of gas.

So the Bruins are 0-1 in non-conference play. No problem, UCLA Basketball started the season with a loss to Monmouth, but then found a way to get their act together and have a solid non-conference season which included a victory over #1 Kentucky.

The point being is that the Bruins, despite being inconsistent, have showed that they can come together and play team ball. Though they are not that great on the road, Washington State is not that good in general, which makes this the perfect bounce back game for the Bruins.

Records: UCLA Bruins (8-5, 0-1), Washington State Cougars (8-5, 0-1)

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Tipoff: 6:30 p.m. PT

Location: Beasley Coliseum (Cap. 11,671)

Tickets: GoHuskies.com

TV: Pac-12 Network

Live Stream: Pac-12.com

Radio: AM 570 Los Angeles

On-line Radio: Tune-In

Players To Watch

UCLA Bruins

  • Bryce Alford -17.4 points per game, 5.1 assists per game, 4.4 rebounds per game
  • Isaac Hamilton – 15.3 points per game, 4.6 rebounds per game, 2.9 steals per game
  • Tony Parker – 13.6 points per game, 10.2 rebounds per game, .545 FG%

Washington Huskies

  • Josh Hawkinson – 16.7 points per game, 10.8 rebounds per game, 1.2 blocks per game
  • Ike Iroegbu – 13.7 points per game, 3.5 rebounds per game, 4.1 assists per game
  • Que Johnson – 10.4 points per game, 2.3 rebounds per game, 1.3 assists per game

The Bruins were very sloppy to start the game against Washington. It is something they need to address going forward and this is the perfect time.

Washington State is still trying to grow into their roles but will have another rough go in the Pac-12. On the same night the Bruins lost in Seattle, the Cougars were destroyed by USC, 90-77. The Bruins need to emulate what the Trojans did and use their talent to run past Washington State.

Getting Isaac Hamilton the ball early could spark the Bruins and get some of their other weapons some action to start the game. At the same time, the Bruins should move the ball around so that they avoid contested shots and not settle for outside jumpers.

Next: The UCLA Basketball All-Time Team

Additionally, Thomas Welsh and Tony Parker, who did well against UW with the little time they spent on the floor, need to stay out of foul trouble and stay in the game. UCLA seems to have a dip in production when either are on the bench for an extended period of time.

Prediction: UCLA 62 – Washington State 61