UCLA escapes UCF late for round of 64 win in Philadelphia

UCLA looked to be coasting to an easy win over UCF in their round of 64 matchup. In UCLA typical fashion they let UCF make it interesting late in the game. Getting it down to a three-point lead before Skyy Clark made a free throw ending in a four-point win. The Bruins did not cover as 5.5 favorites, even though they could’ve easily put the game away earlier. But that is how basketball goes and those things are going to happen.

The most important part is UCLA is moving onto the round of 32 where they will match up with UCONN. They will need to play much better from start to finish to be able to pull off the upset in that game as 4.5-point underdogs. They have the team and the talent to do so and make it to the Sweet 16. Their defense played well most of the game against UCF until the last few minutes. They will need to continue that intensity as games get tougher.

UCLA only shot 40.6% from the floor on the day which included a dreadful 28.6% from deep. But their defense was their calling card as they held UCF to only 37.5% shooting for the game. The Bruins lost the rebound battle 43 to 35 and only had 11 assists on the day. But ultimately the game was won because of how they played on defense, which included nine blocks and 13 steals. Putting together 22 total in those categories compared to only five for UCF.

UCLA was able to get through this game without their leading scorer Tyler Bilodeau. He had a late setback and wasn’t able to play in this one after the hope was that he would be back. They will definitely need him against the Huskies if they want to pull off that upset. Bilodeau changes the entire offense the way he can score. Eric Dailey Jr. continued his good play with 20 points on the night. While Trent Perry and Xavier Booker each chipped in 15 points. Those three scored 50 of their 75 points.