UCLA needs to find consistency from their bench unit

Over the past two games the UCLA Bruins bench has only scored 14 points. Leading to the starters having to carry an extra scoring load. That also has put the pressure on them to play 35-37 minutes per night with short breaks. Last night against Gonzaga it really showed that they need to find consistency from guys on the second unit. Although they beat Oregon 74-63 the game before, the bench also struggled in that game. The Ducks are also nowhere near the level Gonzaga is or many of the top tier Big Ten teams.

Trent Perry had shown glimpses that he could be a good first option off of the bench. But he has been battling an injury that he is working his way back from. Brandon Williams and Jamar Brown who each have starting experience will need to up their play as well. Force Mick Cronin’s hands into figuring out where minutes will go with good play. It is always a good problem to have when you have guys who are ready to roll at all times.

Rotations shrink as the season goes on. When you get to March, you usually have eight or nine guys at max. UCLA at the moment has about six. That is not enough minutes to go around to give those starters a break. College basketball plays at a fast pace with full court defense. You need to make sure your starters are fresh and can handle the grind of that. There are so many times where you see teams run out of gas and it costs them games when it matters most. It can happen at any time, even when you have a comfortable lead.

The Bruins have been on a roller coaster ride of a schedule this season. We have yet to see what their ceiling could actually be if they piece it all together. They seem to put together bits and pieces but then struggle in another area. Right now it is trying to get consistent play out of the bench. They have guys who have scored at the college level and know that they can do it. But it’s easier said than done.