Tyler Bilodeau shines in 97-65 win over UC Riverside

UCLA moved to 10-3 on the season with a 97-65 win over UC Riverside on Tuesday. The Bruins shot 50% from the floor and continued their improved play from the free throw line as they shot 85% for the game. Tyler Bilodeau who has been the best player for UCLA this season had a great day with 34 points on 12-19 shooting. Since his return the Bruins have been playing much smoother on offense. As his ability to spread the floor changes the dynamic and puts more stress on defenses.

Eric Dailey Jr. who has struggled a bit recently had an efficient game with 13 points and 9 rebounds on 5-7 shooting. Another big positive is UCLA got a good contribution off the bench from Trent Perry. The bench has struggled this year at times but has started to pick up a bit. They will be very crucial as Big Ten play is set to start back up. From here on out, there will be no more lower level opponents. Which means no room for error on any night.

UCLA bounced back on defense after a rough showing against Cal Poly. The Bruins held UC Riverside to 65 points on 43% shooting from the field and 20% from 3-point range. Defense will be very key to what the Bruins want to do. Mick Cronin has always preached it. The guys need to lock in on that end and then get out in transition and get easy points. They forced 22 turnovers on the night and turned that into 23 points.

UCLA will get a 10-day break and then take their 10-3 record into a matchup with No. 25 Iowa on the road. That will really test them as the Hawkeyes are 10-2 on the season. They also possess a good offense and a really good defense. UCLA will have to play mistake free basketball if they want to go on the road and get a win there. Iowa is undefeated at home and their only two losses are to No. 7 Michigan State and No. 4 Iowa State. The Bruins are now about to hit the heart of their schedule.