UCLA Basketball: Three Bruins Score Double Digits in Dominant Win Over Huskies
The UCLA Bruins suffered a horrific loss to Utah on January 11, which resulted in the second-biggest loss in program history. There is something about a defeat like that which generally lights a fire under players.
That was certainly what happened last night, as the Bruins came out firing from the beginning of the game. Head coach Mick Cronin spoke about how Adem Bona stepped up to give the team the chance to win games, and he answered the call.
Bona would finish the game with 22 points, and 10/13 FG for .769%.
Right behind Bona in points was Lazar Stefanovic with 15 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.
Sebastian Mack also secured 10 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal.
The Bruins had been playing a lot and outmatched through their last four losses, but last night was completely different.
Coach Cronin stated, "We got control of the game in the first half."
That control was never let go of, and the tempo of the game was in control by the Bruins all night.
Beginning in the 1st half, Washington secured 7 points, but UCLA was quick to go on an 11-0 run, giving them a lead they held onto.
En route to his 15-point night, Stefanovic sunk two threes, helping the Bruins retain their lead.
The lead the Bruins secured never went away, and they would go into the half with an eight-point lead.
Heading into the 2nd half, the Huskies came within 5 points of tying the game.
Shortly after the Huskies cut down the lead, the Bruins answered in kind with a three-pointer from Will McClendon. Bona continued his dominance on the court, and UCLA did not fall below a 9 point lead through the rest of the game.
Bona continued to slam the ball home, making Cronin's words about Bona stepping up ring truer than ever.
Even after a quick basket, Bona was sprinting the floor on the fast break to secure the chance to play defense.
The final score of 73-61 was a far cry from how the Bruins had been playing. Though we don't want to get ahead of ourselves, this is the team that everyone envisioned. The hope is they can continue this level of play through the rest of the season.
Bona needs to lead this team, and his energy needs to be matched. That is exactly what happened last night.
We will see if the Bruins can secure a back-to-back win when they take on Arizona State on January 17.
