UCLA Basketball: How Bruins Sophomores Battled Through Miserable Scoring Drought To Survive Cal

They didn't shoot close to their best, but UCLA basketball still managed a 61-60 win over Cal on Saturday.

Overall, the Bruins have improved tremendously as a team, and in a short span too. Sophomore Adem Bona recognized that even without their best game they're still much better.

“Like you said, it’s a tough game," Bona said. "If we had lost it we would be sitting here having a different conversation right now. You can see the growth of the team, to stay tough, to fight hard when the shots are not going in through the tough times. It’s great to see our growth, it’s amazing, it’s really good.”

Per Adem Bona via UCLA Communications.

Both Bona and Dylan Andrews did not shoot at their normal rate. Bona shot 37.5% from the field versus the Bears, well below his normal rate of 59%.

Meanwhile, Andrews was just 4-15 from the field and 0-4 on three-pointers. His 26.7% did not come close to his season average of 36.8%.

Still, head coach Mick Cronin acknowledged after this game that some of the young players -- including Dylan Andrews -- are still gaining experience and won't always put in a top performance.

“Both those guys were struggling from the field. Adem is 3-for-7 and then hits a big one ... Dylan, like I’ve been saying for a few weeks now, you have to give that guy a chance to get some reps and get some experience; even Patrick Mahomes didn’t play as a freshman, or as a rookie in the NFL," Cronin said. "Getting experience, playing big minutes, having to produce for your team, playing both ends of the floor, it’s so much different than high school. That’s why everyone goes in the portal and gets these older guys.”

Per Mick Cronin via UCLA Communications.

Allowing players like Andrews to gain experience is overall paying off. Even when they had an off day last night, the Bruins still got the win, and the players continue to get more reps and game-time action.