A unique challenge proved undemanding for the No. 19 UCLA Bruins. 

Their opponent, the Bellarmine Knights, typically run a minimal dribble offense and use many quick passes to create open looks. However, the Bruins did not play on their terms, shutting them down and winning 81-60. 

The Bruins’ were missing their leading scorer Jaylen Clark because of a non-COVID illness, and needed to fill his shoes. A committee of players did so through efficient passing.

Tyger Campbell and Amari Bailey were the primary playmakers, finishing with ten and eight assists, respectively. 

Team-wide, the Bruins assisted 26 of their baskets.

“Our passing was off the charts,” said head coach Mick Cronin. “If we would ever pass the ball and continue to get 26 assists, we’ll continue to shoot 61%.”

Adem Bona was freed up because of the successful ball movement. The freshman center finished with a season-high 16 points and made six of the seven shots he attempted.

Three of his scores were alley-oop dunks.

“I’ve been waiting for [alley-oops] all year,” Bona said. “Tyger found me. Amari found me. It was an amazing feeling.”

Bona also served as a playmaker because of the attention the Knights gave to him, dishing out three assists.

While he impressed, Jaime Jaquez was the Bruins’ leading scorer. The senior forward used his physicality to create high-percentage looks in the post.

Jaquez finished with 27 points and made 13-of-17 shots from the field. He was also engaged defensively, capitalizing on poor passes to generate turnovers, ending with four steals.

“I thought [Jaquez] set the tone defensively for us,” Cronin said.

Team wide, the Bruins forced 20 turnovers, minimizing the Knights’ offensive output.

Without Clark, the Bruins’ top scorer and most productive defender, the team coped excellently.

Experience against the Knights’ unusual offense could help the Bruins in the NCAA Tournament. Even if they do not face an opponent like the Knights, the team now knows how to handle extensive ball movement.

However, March (the month of the tournament) is still far away. First, the Bruins must play their PAC-12 conference games. Their first is against the Stanford Cardinal on Thursday.