Tyler Bilodeau's return can't come soon enough for the Bruins

UCLA has played the last two games without their leading scorer in Tyler Bilodeau. In the game versus Presbyterian, it wasn’t seen as a huge loss, as UCLA has far more talent. But against the Cal Golden Bears, Bilodeau’s absence was very well seen. Bilodeau can score the ball from all three levels and puts pressure on the defense. Accounting for them having to play on the ball. Knowing that Bilodeau can make you pay if you leave him open.

He is a very strong player that has an excellent back to the basket game. When the team goes into a scoring slump. They know they can slow the game down and feed him the ball. UCLA has very tremendous one on one players and guys that can shoot. But that is not always going to work for you. Having as many options on the floor as possible, makes things easier. As the Bruins also have been playing with Donovan Dent who is struggling as he battles an injury.

When Bilodeau is able to return, which could be as soon as Wednesday for the Washington game. They will be delighted to get his scoring abilities back. UCLA is set to begin their juggernaut Big Ten schedule and that means all hands need to be on deck. Bilodeau is one of their best players and you want that on the floor. In return you hope that the valuable starting minutes Brandon Williams has received, help him off the bench. As UCLA needs more bench production outside of Trent Perry and Jamar Brown.

This was an unfortunate injury for Bilodeau as he had a tremendous start to the season. Moving back to power forward was the best thing possible for him. Last year he played majority at center due to three guard lineups. That wore him down earlier in games having to play more in the paint. The hope is that he can come back and continue his strong play and get the Bruins back on track. As they try and put the tough loss to the Cal Golden Bears as 8.5-point favorites in the past.