UCLA Bruins center Thomas Welsh (40) hyping up the crowd on his 22nd birthday during the USC Trojans vs UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion on February 3 , 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Westwood, CA – The UCLA Bruins basketball team finds a way to be inspired and win third game in row verses their rivals 82-79 over the USC Trojans at Pauley Pavilion.
The Bruins trailed most of this game even at the half by one 41-40 at home in front of a few UCLA folklore. In the crowd was Reggie Miller, Earl Watson, Cameron Bailey, Charles O’Bannon, and few others working the game Tracy Murray alongside Bill Walton.
UCLA Bruins guard Aaron Holiday (3) going up and in during the USC Trojans vs UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion on February 3 , 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
UCLA was able to get a big game out of two of their seniors Aaron Holiday who dropped 23 points, 5 threes, and 9 assists.
On his 22nd birthday Thomas Welsh steeped up with 21 points, 8 rebounds, and three 3 pointers.
“That’s special when you can hit from three, go into the paint and be able to hit free throws,(Welsh)” said UCLA Steve Alford.
UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford during the USC Trojans vs UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion on February 3 , 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
The Trojans have never really had an answer for Welsh since he was a freshman and even now as a senior still holds true. Being a 7 footer has it’s advantages when you have multiple skills sets.
Alford Bruins were able to hunt today with the team trailing most of the game, waiting for Pauley to erupt every time they got close.
“We have to shut the water off to get the stops,” said Alford, ” The four minute game of efficiency is a big key.”
USC Trojans guard Jordan McLaughlin (11) making a pass in the paint during the USC Trojans vs UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion on February 3 , 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
The Trojans were lead the hype man Elijah Stewart tonight with 20 points in 28 minutes on the floor.
They also had 4 players score in double digits Shaqquan Aaron (14), Nick Rakocevic (14) and Chimezie Metu (11).
“Making the freshman understand this is huge rivalry,” said Welsh, “You got punch first and keep punching.”
UCLA Bruins guard Jaylen Hands (4) turning the corner on USC Trojans guard Jordan McLaughlin (11) during the USC Trojans vs UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion on February 3 , 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Even when the Bruins were down as much as nine points they still kept fighting and made the runs necessary to get the victory.
Next up for the Bruins will be a tough trip to the Arizona schools next week.
