UCLA vs. Kentucky: Three keys to victory for the Bruins
By Evan Lovett
Win the Battle of Offense by Being Defensive
Everybody knows these teams like to play frenetic basketball. UCLA ranks second and Kentucky 13th in Ken Pomeroy’s adjusted offensive rankings. UCLA averages 90.2 points per game and Kentucky averages 85.2 points per contest. That is why, without question, defense will be the key to victory.
Though some pundits are predicting scores of 113-107, the game may not be the track meet that many are expecting. Kentucky’s best player, Malik Monk, has been nearly invisible in the tournament thus far, shooting 2-11 from three-point range in the Wildcats’ first two contests.
While the Bruins would be hard-pressed to shut down a player with Monk’s talent, evidenced by the 24 points on 10-19 shooting Monk had in the first matchup. With Kentucky, however, there are always more NBA-caliber players and this year’s edition is no different. De’Aaron Fox, Edrice Adebayo and Isaiah Briscoe all average in double digits.
UCLA’s defensive efficiency ranking of 123rd is not exactly noteworthy, but the defense has significantly improved since they went to the zone in February. Since then, Arizona is the only team to score more than 80 points, and that was in a game where the Bruins were out of sorts with Lonzo Ball in foul trouble and having a thumb injury.
The Bruins know how to lock down when necessary, and expect Ike Anigbogu to play a larger role in this contest, as the athletic shot-blocker was an impact player in the first match up.