UCLA in a must win situation vs Rutgers

UCLA is back in action tonight as they face Rutgers at home. The 15-7 Bruins look to get back in the wind column after dropping a tough game against Indiana on Saturday afternoon. A game in which the Bruins fought all the way back and lost in double overtime. Today is a new day, a chance for UCLA to pick up their 16th win of the season. Rutgers has struggled this year to a record of 9-13 and have lost five straight games. But they did take No.7 Michigan State to overtime and USC down to the final possession last two games.

UCLA has nine games left of this season. Four of those opponents ranked in the top 10. They need to figure out what team they want to be as the Big Ten tournament approaches. If they are unable to pick up enough wins to get to 20. They more than likely will be a low seed in the tournament. Leading to them having to go through a gauntlet to try and win the tournament. Which will include multiple championship contenders. Not a very ideal situation to be in.

This season started out with much hope as the Bruins are talented. But inconsistencies on both offense and defense have led to their current record of 15-7. For most schools that is a good record through 22 games. But for UCLA they have left many opportunities out on the floor and could easily be 18-4. With March quickly approaching, this stretch of games could leave UCLA on the bubble. A loss in this game will put them in big trouble.

The Bruins should be able to take care of this game at home. Moving them to 16-7 on the season and into a matchup with Washington before their gauntlet three game tilt. UCLA has played good defense recently and they will focus in on taking Tariq Francis out of the game. Tyler Bilodeau could have a big game here stretching the floor and Trent Perry continues his emergence. It will be interesting to see if the Bruins get a huge boost with a Skyy Clark return as well.