UCLA Basketball: Redshirt Sophomore Unpacks Big Night Vs Cardinal

UCLA head coach Mick Cronin has encouraged his guards to start shooting the open shot.

During the current four-game win streak, Adem Bona has been attracting double-teams and then kicks it out to a guard who is waiting on the three-point line.

On Wednesday night, Will McClendon had a career game. The redshirt sophomore scored 13 points and was 4-for-8 from the field including 3-for-6 from behind the arc.

“Adem Bona is a force down low and we kind of try to play inside out. He’s is going to draw a lot of attention and create different opportunities for our guards. The coaches have been really on us about being ready to shoot and it showed. We were ready to shoot and they were able to go in today.”

Will McClendon via UCLA Athletics

“Adem is a force down low, and we kind of try to play inside out. He draws a lot of attention and creates opportunities for our guards. The coaches have been really on us about being ready to shoot and it showed.”

Will McClendon, speaking after the Bruins’ victory at Stanford pic.twitter.com/g2r1gvKEVI
— UCLA Men’s Basketball (@UCLAMBB) February 8, 2024

It wasn't only McClendon who had a big night for the Bruins. As a team, they set a new season-high from three-point range, making 11 of their 25 attempts.

“We try to play through Adem – it’s no secret – we’re better when we do,” Cronin said. “He draws so much attention, he puts a lot of pressure on the other team’s defense. … He’s become a really good passer, we’ve got guys out there playing H-O-R-S-E.”

Mick Cronin via UCLA Athletics

The key to the Bruins' victory was their three-point shooting and if McClendon has become a scoring weapon moving forward, opponents will have to be cautious of all five Bruins on the court.