Gotta give UCLA some credit for keeping it close, given the Zags clear edge in quicks and physicality. Coming within 5 against a top-tier team on the road that is dictating pace, ain't too shabby.
Whether this one is over is another convo.
I luvved the opening 5 mins and UCLA's 5 pt lead, definitely inclusive of the absence of the CMC perimeter weave on O.
And, yeah, UCLA is light in the pants when it comes to the C matchup, as they have no answer for Reverend Ike (team-high 15 points).................along with Huffer (14).
Which brings me to Bilo. Of course he is a weak defender..............but in a high tone O game such as this one, it's tuff for CMC to keep Bilo off the court, even to the point when he shifted over to play some at the C spot. So, yeah what Bilo commendably taketh on O (game-high 16 pts), he unfortunately giveth on D. Again, Mick doesn't have much choice becuz his halfcourt O faucet characteristically runs dry.
Likely no reason to expect Zaga to slacken off on the O end in the 2H as there's not much there to stop them from thundering and pillaging in the paint without hesitation................UCLA zone D or no.
Hopefully UCLA can continue to play them even off the boards.
GO BRUINS!