This is the image that sums up this match at the top of the Pac-12: while he has just succeeded in several 3-point actions, with the fault and the bonus throw, Jules Bernard launches an assault on the circle by counter attack. He will seek the contact of Bennedict Mathurin but the rear of Arizona does not unwind and on the contrary tapes the Bruin!
Defeated in wide widths for their first clash in California ten days ago (75-59), the Arizona Wildcats had their revenge on their land (76-66).
Completely silent with 0/12 on shots including 0/9 from 3-pointers at Pauley Pavilion, Estonian fullback Kerr Kriisa also had his revenge with 16 points and 5 assists including a final 3-pointer to kill the Bruins.
“Playing at UCLA was good for him, it gave him war scars so to speak”, explained Tommy Lloyd. “Now he is a bit more mature and a bit tougher. And that’s super important to us. “
At +12 at halftime, Arizona struggled more in the second half as UCLA upped the ante defensively. But the Bruins were just as embarrassed, like a five major at 19/54 on shots, a small 35%, if we except Jaime Jaquez at 13 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists, the only Californian player to hold the shock.
At 3/14 from 3-pointers, UCLA never found a rhythm on offense, basically receiving the treatment they gave the Wildcats in the first leg.
Tommy Lloyd thus preferred a defensive doublet in the paint, with Oumar Ballo associated with Christian Koloko, leaving Azuolas Tubeilis on the bench, even though the Baltic interior was already at 14 points.
This match which smelt of powder ended on a little incident with Mac Etiennethe currently injured Bruins winger, who allegedly spat at an Arizona fan who was obviously a little too vehement…
