Matchup for UCLA's game on Saturday
Teams: UCLA Bruins (12-11, 7-5 Pac-12) vs. California Golden Bears (10-13, 6-6 Pac-12)
When: Saturday, February 10, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM ET or 2:30 PM PT
Where: Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA
TV/Streaming: FOX
Recent Performance:
UCLA: Won their last game against Stanford 82-74, led by Sebastian Mack's 21 points. Overall, they have a four-game winning streak.
Cal: Won their last game against USC in overtime 83-77, with Jaylon Tyson leading the team with 27 points and a triple-double. They are on a 3-game home winning streak and have won four of their last five games.
Storylines:
Rivalry Renewed: This is always a heated rivalry between two California schools, and expectations are high despite both teams not having a good start to their seasons.
Cal Looking to Build Momentum: The Golden Bears are riding a hot streak at home and will be looking to defeat the Bruins in front of their fans but it will not be an easy task.
UCLA Trying to Stay Consistent: The Bruins have shown flashes of brilliance of late but they need to win as many games as possible after numerous losses earlier in the season. This game will be a good test for their consistency especially with this being a road game.
Key Players:
UCLA:
Lazar Stefanovic: Versatile forward averaging 11 points and six rebounds per game.
Dylan Andrews: Guard is known for his defense and playmaking, averaging 11.1 points and 3.8 assists per game.
Sebastian Mack: Emerging offensive guard who is a true freshman, averaging 13.5 points per game.
Adem Bona: Power forward who is playing well on both ends of the court averaging 12.2 points per game as well as 6.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game.
Cal:
Jaylon Tyson: Do-it-all guard averaging 20.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.
Jalen Cone: Talented and experienced senior guard averaging 14.2 points per game.
Fardaws Aimaq: Inside presence averaging 15.3 points and 11 rebounds per game.
Prediction:
UCLA was not supposed to win at Stanford and win their sixth game in their last seven contests but this Bruins team has shown they are relentless and have no quit in them. Cal defeated UCLA the first time they played but this Bruin team has grown significantly and should win this game by a final score of 74-68.
UCLA Bruins
Rating Percentage Index Ranking: 150
College Basketball Power Index Rankings: 108
Pomeroy College Basketball Ranking: 91
Net Ranking: 117
Cal Golden Bears
Rating Percentage Index (RPI) Ranking: 166
College Basketball Power Index (BPI) Ranking: 124
Pomeroy College Basketball (KenPom) Ranking: 106
Net Ranking: 121