Seattle, WA (Sports Network) - The 23rd-ranked UCLA Bruins take aim at a share
of the Pac-12 title as they close out the regular-season with a showdown with
the Washington Huskies at Alaska Airlines Arena.
Ben Howland's Bruins are tied atop the league standings with Oregon at 12-5
with just a single game left on the docket. UCLA certainly made things tougher
on itself this week with a stunning 73-61 road loss at Washington State,
ending a four-game win streak for the team, which looks to win its fourth
regular-season title under Howland. With a win here, the Bruins will beat out
the Ducks for the No. 1 seed in the upcoming conference tournament.
Washington isn't playing for a conference crown, but there is still seeding in
the tournament left to be determined, as the Huskies could come in anywhere
from fifth to the eighth seed when the smoke clears this weekend. UW has
certainly done its part of late to earn a higher seeding, winning three
straight games coming into the season finale, including a 65-57 decision over
USC this week.
UCLA has won the last two meetings and holds a sizable 93-40 advantage in the
all-time series, but Washington has won eight straight against the Bruins at
home. UCLA is seeking the regular-season sweep after earning a hard-fought
59-57 victory at home on Feb. 7.
Big man Travis Wear has been sidelined the last few games with a foot injury
and is listed as doubtful for the finale. However, twin brother David has
filled the void in the starting lineup, averaging 8.8 points and 7.5 rebounds
over the last four games. Still, this is a UCLA squad fueled by the freshmen
trio of Shabazz Muhammad, Jordan Adams and Kyle Anderson, who account for 55
percent of the team's offense. Muhammad has certainly lived up to his billing
coming in, leading the Bruins in scoring at 18.1 ppg. Adams can also fill up
the basket at 15.1 ppg, followed by Anderson's 10.1 ppg. Larry Drew II (7.3
ppg) has certainly proved to be a vital piece to the puzzle at the point,
ranking first in the Pac-12 in assists (7.8 apg).
The Bruins fell behind by 11 points at halftime against Washington State and
were unable to dig themselves out over the final 20 minutes. Adams led three
Bruins in double figures in the loss with 18 points. Muhammad added 14 points
to the cause, while Norman Powell came off the bench to tally 10.
The Huskies were nip and tuck with USC for much of the contest this week, but
distanced themselves by going 17-of-18 from the free-throw line in the second
half. Scott Suggs continued his torrid pace with a team-high 18 points.
Jernard Jarreau added 12 points off the bench, while C.J. Wilcox finished with
11 points. Aziz N'Diaye struggled offensively going 1-of-9 from the floor with
just two points, but he did grab a game-high 11 rebounds.
Wilcox leads the way offensively for Washington this season at 17.1 ppg, but
Suggs (11.9 ppg) has really stepped up his play of late, averaging 19.0 ppg
over the last three games. Abdul Gaddy rounds out the team's top scorers at
11.0 ppg and also serves as the team's top distributor (4.3 apg). On the
season, Washington is averaging 67.8 ppg, on a modest .435 shooting.
The Sports Network