The UCLA Bruins defense has been their calling card over the last month of basketball

The UCLA defense has been playing really well since their ugly loss versus Michigan State 82-59 on February 17. Although they gave up 94 points against Illinois. They only allowed 40.6% shooting while that game went into overtime. In seven of the eight games since then they have given up 78 points or less. The only game that went over was the game they won in the Big Ten tournament against Michigan State where they gave up 84.

This team held Nebraska, who was in the top 10 at the time to only 52 points. Then held USC to an average of 65 points in the two matchups with their rivals. That was big considering USC averaged 79 points per game on the season. You even add in the game against Purdue. Although the Bruins lost that game 73-66, they held on to the final minute, even without their two best players. Considering Purdue averaged 82 points per game on the season.

UCLA battled a ton of inconsistency this season in many areas of their team. One of those big areas was their defense. They would show glimpses of being a really solid unit. Then would go into games such as against Cal Poly and give up 87 points in that game. That is unacceptable against a lower-level school. Especially for a Mick Cronin coached team that preaches defense and getting out in transition.

The Bruins will need to have one of their best defensive efforts of the season if they plan on having an upset against UCONN. It will not be easy as the Huskies possess a very good offense. If they’re fully healthy and are able to get Silas Demary Jr. back, that would make them even more dynamic. So, UCLA will need to come out and play aggressive from the opening tip. Their best chance at a win is defensive effort not a shootout.