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UCLA Basketball vs. Michigan Preview: TV, Radio, Live Stream, Odds

By Mike Regalado

November 17, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) moves to the basket against San Diego Toreros forward Juwan Gray (12) during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
November 17, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) moves to the basket against San Diego Toreros forward Juwan Gray (12) during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 3, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Isaac Hamilton (10) rebounds the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena. UCLA defeated Kentucky 97-92. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Isaac Hamilton (10) rebounds the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena. UCLA defeated Kentucky 97-92. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

UCLA vs. Michigan Preview, Cont.

Michigan plays a slower, defensive style of basketball. They are going to try and kill some clock as well as play an inside-out game which could cause trouble for the Bruins.

Michigan is only allowing 58.2 ppg (10th in the nation), which should put a dent in UCLA’s average of 97.0 ppg (2nd in the nation). The clash in styles should make for some awkwardness and slow stretches throughout the game, especially late when Michigan really tries to control the game. The Wolverines are averaging over 8 points less in the second half than the first, really slowing things down late in the game.

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Oppositely, the Bruins tend to start clicking in the second half as they are averaging 6.1 more points than they do in the first half. If UCLA does get the upper hand after halftime, Michigan might not survive, but UCLA has not played a defensive team like the Wolverines this season.

Michigan has Walton and Irvin running the show from up top. Their pace could be a problem for the Bruins who are not necessarily aggressive on defense. If they can work the ball around the edge or get it down to their big men Wilson and Wagner and attack the seems of the Bruin D, then they have a chance.

The only thing is, UCLA is not the #2 team in the country for a reason.

Despite UM’s tough defense, the Bruins are going to play fast and attack from all angles and they have several ways to do it.

Ball and Aaron Holiday will facilitate the uptempo offense efficiently. Hamilton and Alford will attack from the outside. Welsh and Leaf will score down low. Michigan will slow UCLA, but they are not going to stop them.

Key Stats:

Lonzo Ball – 14.6 ppg, 9.3 asts (1st in NCAA), 5.0 rebs, 1.4 stl, 1.0 blk

TJ Leaf – 17.2 ppg, 9.4 rebs, .674 FG% (2nd by Pac-12), .500 3FG% (T-2nd in Pac-12)

Isaac Hamilton – 18.1 ppg (2nd in Pac-12), 3.8 rpg, 3.2 asts, .517 FG%

Players to Watch:

Aaron Holiday – Coming off the bench, Holiday seems to get the offense into an even higher gear. He scores in runs as he attacks the defense. He is averaging 12.9 ppg (5th in the team).

Ike Anigbogu – Anigbogu made a huge difference against Kentucky. He was a physical presence under the rim and had his best game stat-wise with 6 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks and 5 fouls.

Next: Aaron Holiday, THE 6th Man

Prediction: UCLA 89 – Michigan 72