The UCLA basketball team had one of its most complete games of the season as they defeated the #7 Kentucky Wildcats, 83-75, in the CBS Sports Classic.
Ask any UCLA basketball fan and the majority would have predicted a loss against Kentucky, The Bruins are coming off three games where they played less than stellar basketball with loses to Michigan, Cincinnati and almost blew a 25-point lead against South Dakota.
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With that, there was not a lot of confidence in the Bruins who were taking on the #7 Kentucky Wildcats, a team that had only previously lost to Kansas.
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Well the Bruins showed all of us as they put out a complete game to beat the Wildcats for the third time in the last five meetings, which happen to have been played in the last four seasons.
Five Bruins scored in double figures with Aaron Holiday and Kris Wilkes leading all with 20 points. Thomas Welsh once again dropped in a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. He also made three out of six three-point attempts.
The offense was flowing, but it was the Bruins defense that stepped up in front of the New Orleans crowd. The Bruins had 12 steals and 2 blocks and had limited UK to 42.6% shooting (28.6% from the three-point line). Though the Bruins still have a few holes to fill, they did a great job, defending the rim, getting in passing lanes, putting a hand up and grabbing rebounds.
One thing that had plagued UCLA in the last three games was the team collectively running out of gas at the end of those contests. Against Kentucky, the Bruins did not quit and fought hard until the end. The Bruins were also able to keep their lead late and not let UK become a threat in the waining moments.
UCLA also managed to control the ball and tempo in the last two minutes, locking up the win with a few late free-throws. It was unexpected, but now the Bruins have some positive momentum going into Pac-12 play which begins next week.
It’s safe to say these BRUINS are excited! #GoBruins pic.twitter.com/8ggeFtxN2d
— UCLA Men’s Basketball (@UCLAMBB) December 23, 2017
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A win is a win and head coach Steve Alford definitely needed this win to bring down the flames surrounding his seat that was getting warm over the last three games. Now to take on the conference.