UConn's men's basketball team went retro in their victory over Furman, sinking only five 3-pointers while Tarris Reed Jr. delivered a jaw-dropping 31-point, 27-rebound performance-a feat not seen in the NCAA Tournament since the days of the Moon landing.
Next up, the Huskies face off against UCLA and their seasoned coach, Mick Cronin, in the Round of 32 on Sunday evening in Philadelphia. The Bruins are coming off a tight 75-71 win over UCF.
UCLA's Offensive Surge
Under Mick Cronin, known for his defensive chops, UCLA has transformed into an offensive powerhouse. Since February 20, the Bruins have ranked second nationally in offensive efficiency, shooting an impressive 40% from beyond the arc and keeping turnovers to just 10.4% of possessions. They started strong against UCF with an 18-3 run, though their shooting cooled to 40% by game’s end, securing a narrow four-point victory.
Tyler Bilodeau's Status
Huskies fans might find this familiar: UCLA's star forward, Tyler Bilodeau, missed the Big Ten Tournament semifinal against Purdue due to a mild knee strain. While Cronin assured his return for the NCAA Tournament, Bilodeau was still out in their recent win. Averaging nearly 18 points and six rebounds, Bilodeau is crucial for the Bruins, especially with his 46% shooting from three-point range.
Pace of Play
UCLA found themselves in a fast-paced 71-possession game against UCF, but they typically prefer a slower tempo, ranking 313th in average pace. UConn plays even more deliberately, ranking 326th.
Expect Sunday's matchup to be a methodical affair, with projections suggesting just 63 possessions-the slowest in the Round of 32. KenPom gives UConn a slight edge with a 72-68 victory prediction and a 63% chance of winning.
Winning Traditions
Sunday’s game is a clash of titans in terms of winning legacy. UCLA boasts a record 11 national championships, largely thanks to John Wooden’s legendary era, while UConn has claimed six titles since 1999. The winner will face another multiple-time national champion in either Michigan State or Louisville in the Sweet 16, with Duke and Kansas looming in the region.
A Historic Encounter
Despite their storied histories, UCLA and UConn have only met once before, in the 1995 Elite Eight. That game saw Ray Allen shine with 38 points for UConn, but UCLA's Ed O'Bannon and Toby Bailey led the Bruins to a 102-95 victory. UCLA went on to capture their 11th national title that year, with six players eventually making it to the NBA.
Sunday's matchup promises to be a thrilling chapter in college basketball history.