Here are three quick takeaways from UCLA's impressive and dominant second-half performance over Utah State in the round of 64 of the NCAA Tournament.
UCLA Bruins
Utah State AggiesUCLA's offense stepped up when it mattered, helping the Bruins to an impressive victory.
UCLA showcased an impressive offensive performance against the Aggies on Thursday night, beginning with an amazing 22 assists on 26 made field goals, alongside a solid field goal percentage of 48.1%. The Bruins also shot 41.7% from beyond the arc, making 10 three-pointers for the game, and achieved a perfect 100% from the free throw line, making all ten attempts.
Skyy Clark and Eric Dailey Jr. contributed 14 points, but the Bruins showcased a balanced attack, with five other players who scored seven or more points this game. Mick Cronin's offensive strategy made it challenging for Utah State to concentrate on neutralizing just one player, which allowed for a balanced Bruin scoring attack. Aday Mara also contributed 10 points and played 20 minutes this game.
The UCLA defense may have had their best performance of the year as they held the Aggies to only 20 second-half points.
This victory was partly thanks to UCLA's dominant defensive performance against Utah State. It was almost awe-inspiring to witness the Bruins' defense hold the Aggies offense to only 47 points in an NCAA Tournament matchup. UCLA forced the Aggies to only shoot 12.9% from three-point range, and Utah State only made 18 of their 60 field goal attempts. The Bruins also forced 11 Utah State turnovers and blocked seven shots in this game.
Mick Cronin once again proved that he can get wins in the NCAA Tournament.
Cronin, after UCLA did not make the NCAA Tournament, was motivated to get a win in the Bruins' opening-round game. Since 2011, Cronin's teams he has coached have advanced to the round of 32 eight times, and as the head coach of UCLA, he led the Bruins to three straight Sweet Sixteen appearances from 2021 to 2023. He coached UCLA to not only a solid victory against Utah State but also a dominant 23-point win over a No. 10 seed.
What's up next for UCLA for the round of 32?
Bruins
Volunteers
UCLA advances to the round of 32 of the NCAA Tournament with this victory, maintaining their impressive run in March Madness over five years, except last year. Following this victory, they are ready for a matchup against Tennessee, looking to advance once again to the Sweet Sixteen.