UCLA Basketball: Bruins' Best Freshman Reflects On Ascent

Despite falling 77-71 in a come-from-ahead Saturday matinee defeat to the Arizona Wildcats, a few of your UCLA Bruins enjoyed overall standout performances.

The Bruins' leading scorer for the day was, perhaps unsurprisingly, the man who's been their leading scorer this season, 6'3" freshman point guard Sebastian Mack. Mack has been, by far, his team's best freshman this year, far more consistent than two more highly-touted first-year prospects, forward Berke Buyuktuncel and center Aday Mara.

Mack scored a team-most 21 points on 7-of-16 shooting from the floor (3-of-9 from beyond the arc) and 4-of-5 shooting from the free throw line. Mack also grabbed five boards, passed for four assists, and blocked one shot.

After the game, Mack spoke on how the confidence imbued in him from Mick Cronin and his staff worked wonders in growing his game this season, according to UCLA Communications.

“I would just say, coach believing in me, confidence-wise," Mack said. "Seeing what the team needs because there have been games where I will have 10 [points] and five [assists] and pass the ball, and I am fine with that. We just want to win, so I am fine with whatever. If you need me to score today, I’m there, or if you need an assist and 0 points, I’m there. It does not matter; I’m just doing whatever it takes to win.”

Junior transfer wing Lazar Stefanovic also raved about his new comrade.

“He’s a great player," Stefanovic said. "When he comes with the screens, he’s looking to pass more. Now, the defense spreads out and he gets more space to attack. He’s a great, great player going downhill. He’s great for us.”

With the loss, UCLA fell to an 8-11 record on the year (and 3-5 in the Pac-12), while Arizona improved to 14-4 (and 5-2 in the conference).