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

By Mike Regalado

January 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Bryce Alford (20) shoots a basket against Arizona Wildcats during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Bryce Alford (20) shoots a basket against Arizona Wildcats during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 12, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Allonzo Trier (35) sits on the bench during the second half against the Arizona State Sun Devils at McKale Center. The Wildcats won 91-75. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Allonzo Trier (35) sits on the bench during the second half against the Arizona State Sun Devils at McKale Center. The Wildcats won 91-75. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /

Preview:

The energy surrounding this game is huge. The biggest rivalry in the Pac-12 is back to the setting that should occur every year… both the Bruins and Wildcats in the Top 25, slugging it out to be top dog in the conference.

All eyes will be on Westwood as this battle will help define Pac-12 basketball. Both teams are rolling right now, but only one will get the “W”.

UCLA has the top offense in the conference while Arizona boasts the top defense. It is a classic case of the “unstoppable force meeting the immovable object”. Either way, one of these teams are getting the win and the Bruins will do everything to try to pull that out, hopefully by using a little bit of defense themselves.

Arizona has three amazing freshmen who all score in double-digits. In fact, all of of their starters are averaging over 10 points a game. The issue Arizona has is with depth… but they just got a huge insurance policy last night.

Suspended guard Allonzo Treir was recently reinstated by the NCAA as his “most recent drug test was negative”. Trier was not allowed to play with the Wildcats for 19 games after testing positive for PEDs. His return is big for Arizona and it has been reported that he will come off the bench. The timing is suspect, but either way, UCLA needs to come with their “A” game.

The Bruins have been doing very well in recent games after a sluggish start to Pac-12 play. If they continue to play at a high level and find ways to penetrate the AZ defense, then this should be all UCLA.

Key Stats:

 Lonzo Ball – 14.4 ppg, 8.2 asts, 5.6 rebs, 1.8 stls

Bryce Alford – 17.4 ppg, 2.3 apg, 2.6 rpg, .810 FT%, .469 3FG%

TJ Leaf – 16.9 ppg, 9.0 rebs, .642 FG%, .512 3FG%

Player to Watch:

Thomas Welsh – The junior center is going to have his hands full today and will need to use his height and length to control the basket while the guards handle the outside.

Next: Bruin Vets Show No Sign of Slowing Down

Prediction: UCLA 84 – Arizona 79