Three Takeaways from UCLA's Basketball Game Against Oregon.
No. 1 Oregon's freshman sensation was too much for UCLA to overcome: True freshman Jackson Shelstad led the Ducks with 20 points, including two crucial free throws with 10 seconds left, proving himself a key offensive weapon and contributor to the victory. The Bruins inability to stop him from making making outside shots showed that UCLA has to focus on defending opponents top scoreres more closely moving forward.
No. 2 Bruins' struggles from deep again: UCLA's ice-cold shooting from three-point range (3 of 19) ultimately cost them the game. Despite a strong performance from Adem Bona (15 points, 11 rebounds, 5 blocks), they couldn't overcome their lack of success from beyond the arc. UCLA has to shot better from the outside if they have any chance of defeating the top teams in the Pac-12 in conference play.
No. 3 Defensive intensity fuels Ducks' win and prevented UCLA's offense from being productive overall: Oregon's strong perimeter defense held UCLA to just 15.8% shooting from three and racked up 12 steals and forced 16 Bruin turnovers. Their defensive focus and hustle proved instrumental in overcoming close calls and securing the victory. UCLA must be able to overcome opponents strong defensive intensity to produce more on offense for the rest of the season.