Look ahead to Illinois vs UCLA in game 27

UCLA will head back home for game 27 on their season. Capping off a three-game stretch over a seven-day span of three top 10 opponents. This one culminating against No. 9 Illinois. UCLA will either be in a really good position after an upset win or two or they will be reeling into the last few games of their season. There is no way around the heart of this schedule. UCLA will need to attack it head on and make a push towards March basketball. Mick Cronin’s team will need to decide what team they will be and do it fast.

This UCLA team is talented, but sometimes they play down to their opponents. The good thing is that during this three-game stretch they get to play teams that are some of the best in the nation. Positively speaking, UCLA has played their best basketball when they are the underdogs. That would be much needed for them to come out of this stretch with a few signature wins on their resume. Bracket makers see those and it has an impact on seeding.

Skyy Clark should be back by the time this stretch comes around. This would also be the perfect game for him to have a breakout performance. He spent one season in Illinois before transferring to Louisville for his sophomore year. Getting a big win over a top 10 opponents and one that is your former team is good motivation. It will be interesting to see UCLA‘s record by the time this game comes around as they will get a good barometer on what seating in the Big Ten tournament would look like.

Illinois is a very good team. They have won 10 straight games and have beat many ranked opponents this season. They have five players averaging in double digits showing the balance that they have. Led by freshman Keaton Wagler averaging 17.7 per game and being one of the most dynamic freshmen in the nation. Another freshman David Mirkovic is a double double machine. Similar to Michigan, Illinois is one of the best rebounding teams in the nation and can destroy you in the paint. UCLA will again have their hands full with a disadvantage in size.