UCLA's bench play has found consistency over the past three games

The UCLA bench has found consistency over the last three games. After only scoring 14 points combined in the Oregon and Gonzaga games. The Bruins bench has scored 79 points over the last three games for an average of 26.3 each contest. The bench will be a very important part of the team as they attack this Big Ten schedule. Although two of the opponents were Cal Poly and UC Riverside which are lower level Division I opponents. Any positive is a positive and gives players confidence moving forward.

Trent Perry is the first man off the bench, and he has shown glimpses of how good he can be. Perry can score the ball as well as defend. Giving Cronin a guy that can come off the bench and play starters minutes and close games, depending on the flow. Steven Jamerson II continues to spell Xavier Booker as the backup center. His defense is a big part of UCLA’s identity after transferring over the offseason from San Diego. Then Jamar Brown is a good rebounder that can space out the floor.

UCLA will be able to get production from their starting lineup. Donovan Dent has shown he can be a star still. While Tyler Bilodeau is a threat to drop 20 every night and carry the main scoring load. Skyy Clark is having one of the best shooting seasons in the history of UCLA as well. But players should not have to play 38 minutes per night to be able to squeeze out wins. If they can keep their starters between 33-35 minutes, it will keep them fresh for the long run.

That is where the bench becomes so important. That is 30-35 minutes per night that they will need guys to come in and play even basketball. If your bench can keep the score around level or even a small positive, you will win majority of your games. But if they stay in the negative, you will have a tough time digging out of the hole. Especially against teams, like Purdue, Michigan and Michigan State. All highly ranked opponents that are still on the schedule for the Bruins.