Before we preview the UCLA vs. Oregon game let's briefly take a look at four takeaways from UCLA's win over Oregon State.
No. 1: Second Half Surge: UCLA started slowly on the offense end of the court shooting just 31% in the first half of play. However, they refocused and moved the ball well in the second half, shooting 53% and outscoring Oregon State 45-34. UCLA's improved offensive execution, particularly with their ability to make 3-pointers (6 of 10 in the second half), proved crucial in securing their win over Oregon State in their conference opener.
No. 2: Balanced Scoring: While Adem Bona and Dylan Andrews led the scoring with 13 points each, three other Bruins reached double figures in scoring. This balanced attack demonstrated a collective effort and mitigated reliance on any single player, a positive sign for Coach Cronin moving forward in conference play.
No. 3: Breaking the Four-Game Losing Streak: The victory snapped their losing streak for UCLA, injecting much-needed confidence into the team moving forward in Pac-12 play. Ending their losing skid in the Pac-12 opener gives them momentum heading into conference play and potentially reignites their hopes for a successful season leading into their game against Oregon.
No. 4: UCLA big men produced: Adem Bona's resurgence was a positive development as well as the play of true freshman Brandon Williams. After Bona struggled in recent games as well and Williams did not get much meaningful playing time of late, both dominant performances for Bona with 13 points, eight rebounds, three blocks, and three steals, and Williams with 11 points on five for six shooting bodes well for UCLA's interior offense going forward.
UCLA
Rating Percentage Index Ranking: 227
College Basketball Power Index Rankings: 110
Pomeroy College Basketball Ranking: 85
Net Ranking: 148
Oregon
Rating Percentage Index (RPI) Ranking: 45
College Basketball Power Index (BPI) Ranking: 59
Pomeroy College Basketball (KenPom) Ranking: 47
Past Games between the two schools and the final score prediction.
Current winning streak in this series between these two programs: The Bruins have won the last three games between these two teams.
The two teams’ last game between one another: UCLA defeated Oregon in the Pac-12 tournament last season by a final score of 75-56.
In the last ten meetings between these two teams: UCLA has won six of the ten games between these two teams.
Game Prediction: UCLA 71 Oregon 70