LAS VEGAS — Dylan Andrews had the best game of his collegiate career scoring 31 points while making seven 3-pointers helping UCLA knock off Oregon State 67-57 in the first round of the Pac-12 tournament.
To go along with career highs in scoring and 3-pointers made, Andrews also posted a career high with 11 baskets made on 15 shots.
“You look really good,” UCLA coach Mick Cronin said after the game, pointing back at Andrews, “when a guy got you 31.”
Andrews controlled the pace of the game but wasn’t satisfied with just his scoring output.
“It’s good to have the offense come, but my main focus was stopping Jordan Pope and (Tyler) Bilodeau,” Andrews said, “and I feel like we did a pretty good job with that.”
The Bruins slowed down the Beavers leading scorer guard Jordan Pope just enough. Pope finished the game with 16 points on six of 16 shooting.
Bilodeau scored 13 points for Oregon State (13-19, 5-15 Pac-12), who only won two games in the final two months of their season.
The Bruins came into this game shooting just above 30% from three this season but knocked down 9 of 15 3-pointers for 60% in this game.
Adem Bona chipped in with 17 points, six rebound, two steals and a block.
After things looked really bleak for the Bruins during their five-game losing streak, the team has won two straight games and if Andrews can play this way going forward they will be a very tough out.
UCLA (16-16) now advances to play No. 4 seed Oregon (20-11, 12-8 Pac-12) in the quarterfinals on Thursday. The two team split their regular-season series with the Ducks, losing 64-59 on the road before a 71-63 win at home.
