UCLA vs. Gonzaga: Position matchups and scouting report

HOUSTON — Well what do you know, another rematch. After dispatching No. 14-seeded UAB in the Round of 32, No. 11 UCLA’s reward is a Sweet 16 matchup with No. 2-seeded Gonzaga, who gave the Bruins their only home loss of the season Dec. 13. In that contest the Bulldogs eviscerated the Bruins defense by […]

Scoring runs may prove pivotal in Sweet 16 matchup against Gonzaga

In March Madness, a team’s season could come down to a single scoring run. Just ask the 2006 Gonzaga Bulldogs, who allowed the Bruins to mount an 11-0 run over the final 3:26 of the Sweet 16 game that year. Gonzaga led UCLA by double digits for almost the entire game – but it didn’t […]

Rematch between UCLA, UAB brings back together two changed teams

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — When UCLA and the University of Alabama-Birmingham squared off in the consolation game of the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament in the Bahamas on Nov. 28 the ballroom-turned-basketball arena was nearly empty. After the tournament’s championship game – a 69-56 Wisconsin win over Oklahoma – few fans stayed in their seats for the […]

Guard Bryce Alford plays pivotal role in 60-59 win against SMU

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — After a season of getting knocked around, the Bruins finally appeared down for the count. But as sophomore guard Bryce Alford tumbled to the floor, his teammates descending upon him in an a dogpile near midcourt, UCLA showed it could take a punch, and throw one too. A critical goaltending call with […]

Men’s basketball looks to establish identity in game against SMU

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — So here sits UCLA, in a place many didn’t expect the Bruins to be, preparing to play a game most don’t expect them to win. The surprise of the Bruins’ selection into the tournament has worn off – both for the team and those outside the UCLA locker room. The initial outrage […]

Men’s basketball scouting report: SMU

After Friday’s near-upset of Arizona in the Pac-12 tournament semifinals, UCLA lamented its small mistakes in the game, surely wanting another crack at its conference rival. The Bruins won’t get that this year, but they’ll get the next best thing. In coach Steve Alford’s eyes, the Bruins will be playing the Wildcats’ twin – Southern […]