UCLA will need to play like their season is on the line tonight, because it most likely is make-or-break

UCLA is currently on a two-game losing streak. As they were pummeled by both Michigan and Michigan State on the road this past week. Leaving them at 17-9 on the season and on bubble watch. With them badly needing a win and a big upset over Illinois in tonight’s team at Pauley Pavilion. A loss would put them at 17-10 on the season and a dreadful 2-8 in quad 1 play. Not a recipe for success when it comes down to the brackets being made.

UCLA will need to pull off an upset that is not a small one. Illinois is currently favored by 6.5 points and fully expected to win this game going away. If UCLA is able to pull off a win, it would be huge for them. 3-7 in quad 1 play seems a lot better than 2-8, although it is only one game. Also, it would give them two top 10 wins over Illinois and Purdue. This by far is the most important game of this season for the Bruins.

UCLA will need to play great team defense and also not get stagnant on the offensive end. It is easy to say in words, it is much harder to do on the actual court. During the Michigan and Michigan State game UCLA struggled on defense. Then often could not get anything going on offense and looked like they were stuck in sand. UCLA is one of the better 3-point shooting teams in the nation accuracy wise. They will need to try and build on that strength tonight.

Illinois is a very good team and have one of the best freshmen in the nation in Keaton Wagler who averages 18.1 points per game. They have five players who average in double digit points. They rebound the ball well and can shoot well from long range. The team also plays good defense and forces opponents into turnovers. UCLA will need to play very good basketball if they want to make this happen. Tonight, we will find out if it is 18-9 and into the tourney most likely or 17-10 and most likely out.