Westwood, CA – After suffering a tough loss on Thursday against Oregon, the No. 3 UCLA Bruins (11-2) tightened up their defense and were able to bounce back to a solid 81-65 win against the Oregon State Beavers (3-13) on Saturday night.
“I thought we fought a lot harder as the game went on defensively. Our energy and our effort started disrupting their flow. That was the difference for us. With our execution we got 40 points in the paint and 21 free throws. So, you get 61 on layups and free throws you’re going to win,” said UCLA head coach Mick Cronin.
Johnny Juzang led all scorers with 24 points and grabbed six rebounds.
Juzang stated what it took for his team to refocus during practice for tonight’s contest.
“We definitely refocused. Made sure we were prepared to win. We were working on the little things and intensity. We were working on being disruptive. I think that was a good adjustment for us.”
UCLA went up 53-39 around the 16-minute mark in the second half and didn’t look back.
After shooting 50% (13-26 FGs) from the field and 50% (4-8 3-PTs) from three-point range in the first half, Oregon State cooled off and shot just 38.8% (12-31) from the field and 33.3% (4-12 3-PTs) from three in the second half.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. was out with a swollen ankle.
In Jaquez’s absence, Jaylen Clark filled in and dropped 11 points.
Clark commented on playing in his first career start for the Bruins.
“I just saw it as an opportunity. What happened to Jaime was unfortunate. But it gave me an opportunity to go out there and show what I can do. I really just wanted to make the most out of it.”
Over the previous four seasons, UCLA has recorded a 4-3 record against Oregon State which included a 3-0 record in Pauley Pavilion.
UCLA goes on the road to take on the Utah Utes on Thursday, January 20th at 8 p.m.
