The No. 16 UCLA Bruins got a taste of their future conference against the No. 20 Maryland Terrapins. 

Just a few hours before the Bruins’ Men’s Basketball game, the Regents of the University of California (UC) approved their move to the Big Ten conference. Fittingly, they were about to face the Terrapins, a member of the group they were joining.

The Bruins imposed their dominance, winning 87-60. Not only did they show their might against a future conference rival, but they also picked up their first-ranked win.

Much of the Bruins’ success came from early assertiveness. They were energetic defensively, grabbing ten steals in the first half, leading them to a 29-point lead. Once the Bruins were ahead, they shut the door on the Terrapins. 

The Bruins were led by David Singleton, who rarely missed. The sixth man was on fire knocking in seven of the ten shots he attempted, four of which came from beyond the arc.

Singleton finished with a season-high 18 points. 

Jaylen Clark also put his stamp on the matchup, starting on the defensive end. He was active defensively by anticipating passes and creating deflections, many of which led to transition baskets. Offensively, Clark drove to the rim and used his physicality to score.

“[Clark is] literally the best defensive player in the country,” said head coach Mick Cronin.

He finished with 19 points and four steals. Clark went to the free throw line three times and converted on five of six foul shots. 

Bona was excellent on both ends. The freshman center scored 14 points, many off alley-oop passes, and grabbed seven rebounds.

“By far [Bona’s] best game, ” Cronin said. “We have to get him the ball more.”

Jaquez also chipped in with 14 points but was less efficient than the team average of 55.6% from the field, making 42.9% of his shots. Defensively, he contributed with four steals. 

Tyger Campbell fell into foul trouble after picking up two fouls early, causing his minutes to be diminished. However, he scored nine points during the 16 minutes he played. 

The Bruins’ strength was on full display against the Terrapins. After a 0-2 weekend against ranked teams in Las Vegas recently. 

Next, the Bruins will travel to New York City to face the No. 13 Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday in another vital test. The two teams will play in Madison Square Garden.