Hannes Steinbach could singlehandedly put UCLA on bubble watch after Saturday night

Hannes Steinbach is one of the best freshmen in the nation. He can completely control a game with his scoring and rebounding for Washington. Which was seen earlier in the year as he single-handedly almost beat UCLA. As the Bruins were just able to escape with an 82-80 win in the first matchup. If it wasn’t for an electric day from Skyy Clark, UCLA loses that game. Steinbach on that day had 29 points on 11-12 shooting and 10 rebounds. Proving to dominate any matchup thrown his way.

The freshman from Germany is averaging 17.7 points and 11.5 rebounds per game this season for the 12-11 Huskies. Which includes five straight double doubles. You will look to continue that streak on Saturday night by making it six straight. UCLA does not have anyone big enough to match up with him. So, they have to rely on help defense to try and slow him down. The Bruins have been much better recently on the defensive end. We will get to see the growth that they have made from the first match up with Washington.

This is a big game. UCLA needs to find a way to come out with a win. They will be a big underdog but Steinbach is more than capable of leading his team to an upset. If the Bruins lose this game, they will definitely be on the outside looking in for the NCAA tournament. With probably many insiders having them out of the tournament. Especially with the three game stretch coming up starting in Michigan. 17-7 hopeful after tonight could turn into 16-11 real quick with a slip up.

Mick Cronin will need to have his best coached game of the season in this one. Steinbach is legit and he is dominate, do not let him get going early. It could be a long night if he does. Help defense is the name of the game and force others to beat you. Washington has a backcourt that can score the ball well also in Zoom Diallo and Wesley Yates III. So, UCLA cannot afford to look over this game as the Huskies will not go down without a fight.