When the No. 7 UCLA Bruins are not rolling on offense, they know they can almost always rely on their defense. Tonight, they did just that.
Defense was the name of the game for the Bruins in their 62-47 victory over the Oregon State Beavers.
When the Bruins picked up four turnovers early, it seemed like they were looking ahead to Saturday’s matchup against the Oregon Ducks. However, their defense kept the score close. Then, Jaylen Clark scored a couple of baskets to spark the Bruins’ offense, and the team never looked back.
The Bruins allowed only 18 points in the first 20 minutes. They also held the Beavers scoreless for nearly six minutes in that span. The second half was more of the same as the Beavers scored 29 points.
On offense, the Bruins thrived as they moved the ball well. They ended with ten more assists than the Beavers.
The Bruins initiator, Clark, finished with 16 points. He also contributed defensively with three steals.
While Clark jump-started the Bruins’ offense, Amari Bailey unleashed an explosive offensive effort, contributing to their victory. He returned to form in his fourth game back from a foot injury.
Notably, Bailey leaped up and slammed in a dunk to give the Bruins an 18-point lead early in the second half. The rest of his baskets came in similar positions as he primarily attacked the rim to score.
Bailey finished with 24 points.
Jaime Jaquez also chipped in with seven points and 12 rebounds.
The Bruins’ victory against the Beavers was their twentieth win of the season. They will have a chance to add one win to that total against the Ducks on Saturday at 7 p.m.
