Slow-Paced Slugfest Likely Awaits Bruins vs. UConn

No. 7 UCLA vs No. 2 UConn

Sunday, March 22
5:45 pm PT, TNT
Philadelphia, PA

The Huskies rank eighth in the nation in first-half points allowed per game, giving up just 30.7.

They also rank 14th in the nation in scoring margin. In the opening 20 minutes, they are +8.3 points to the good, the 11th largest halftime lead per game in the country.

A fast start will be key for the Bruins.

They have not been a great team after halftime over the last few weeks, getting outscored by 3.7 points per outing in their last three games.

The Huskies’ rim protection makes them tough to score on.

One of the most prolific shot-blocking teams in the nation, UConn is rejecting 9.5% of opponents’ attempts, the fourth-highest rate in the country.

Tarris Reed Jr. leads the Big East regular-season champs with his two blocks per game.

On Friday evening, the Husky star center provided more than just rim protection. In fact, he did not have a single blocked shot as the second-seed held off an upset bid from Furman.

It was about the only thing Reed did not do, however, as he finished the first-round win with 31 points on 12-of-15 shooting and 27 rebounds, including 11 on the offensive end.

That sort of stat line has not been seen in the last half-century.

Reed joins Bill Walton as the only players in the past 60 years to have at least 30 points and 20 rebounds on 80% shooting in an NCAA tournament game.

Needless to say, slowing down the Huskies inside will be pivotal if UCLA hopes to continue playing this March.

Preventing offensive rebounds has not been a strength this season for UCLA and allowing second-chance points is not a recipe for success.

The health of Tyler Bilodeau and his ability to play on Sunday will be a huge factor against a physical opponent that will look to dominate inside.

The Bruins have played a ton of physical games in the Big Ten and have had success against the likes of Michigan State, Purdue and Illinois.

The Fighting Illini are a big team that likes to play a bit faster and UCLA was able to gut out a win while scoring in the 90s.

One common theme in some of UCLA’s biggest wins this season has been the production from Donovan Dent, both scoring and distributing.

The Bruins will need a big performance on the offensive side of the ball from their guards, and especially Dent.

As big as the nagging injury to Bilodeau is to UCLA, the injury to Silas Demary Jr. might even be a bigger factor for UConn.

The Husky point guard missed the opener, and his ability to defend the UCLA front court will be a huge factor in determining the outcome of what should be a tight contest.

While the play of Dent will play a major role, I think the true X-Factor for UCLA on offense will be the play of Trent Perry, who is averaging 17.3 points over the last three games.

The guard can get hot from distance and get to the rim.

Knocking down threes will open everything else up, and his ability to make plays at the rim could create some foul trouble for the Huskies, as well as some easy buckets.

If Perry can get going early, things could swing in UCLA’s direction.