In case UCLA was tempted to linger within the giddy afterglow of its largest victory of the season, an surprising setback earlier than tipoff Thursday triggered unease.
Main scorer Johnny Juzang, one in every of solely three gamers to keep away from being positioned in COVID-19 protocols, was not a part of that unique membership after a random check got here again optimistic. Additional thinning the crew’s depth, prime defender Jaylen Clark was sidelined for a second consecutive recreation whereas caught in concussion protocol.
Taking part in short-handed has develop into the norm for the Bruins. Their opening-night beginning lineup has walked out to midcourt for the opening soar ball solely seven occasions due to accidents and sicknesses.
Happily for UCLA, one other sample has emerged: It continues to persevere regardless of who’s in or out.
UCLA coach Mick Cronin plugged David Singleton into his beginning lineup for the primary time this season and the seventh-ranked Bruins rolled alongside easily throughout an 81-57 victory over California at Pauley Pavilion that served as additional proof of the crew’s depth and resolve.
Two nights after razing Arizona on nationwide tv earlier than an almost packed enviornment, UCLA put in much more unglamorous work in entrance of a smallish crowd. It counted simply the identical within the Pac-12 standings, the place the Bruins (15-2, 7-1) moved into sole possession of first place.
“My message to them is we’ve received to attempt to chase greatness,” Cronin mentioned after his crew received its fifth consecutive recreation, “as a result of we are able to’t simply play with spirit as a result of Arizona’s in right here, our followers are in right here — though our college students have been nice once more tonight, they’re one of the best, I really like them, but it surely’s received to be about us and what we’re chasing.”
The drama didn’t even make it to halftime. Sparked by Jules Bernard’s back-to-back three-pointers, UCLA used a 25-9 spurt after falling behind by one level within the early going to grab management. Singleton was an element from the opening moments, snagging a steal on Cal’s preliminary possession and burying a three-pointer for the sport’s first factors.
Guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. completed with 15 factors to steer 5 Bruins in double figures scoring and tied a profession excessive with 4 steals. The Bruins shot 52.6% and have been even stronger defensively, their 14 steals probably the most in Cronin’s three seasons with the crew.
Cronin mentioned Juzang felt nice regardless of the optimistic check that brought about him to overlook his first recreation this season after a scoring spree during which he’s averaged 22.6 factors over his final 5 video games.
“He’s extremely upset,” Cronin mentioned of Juzang not with the ability to play.
Juzang will even sit out the Bruins recreation in opposition to Stanford on Saturday whereas caught in isolation, however he may return for UCLA’s rematch in opposition to third-ranked Arizona subsequent week in Tucson based mostly on Pac-12 well being and security pointers that have been up to date final month.
In response to these pointers, asymptomatic gamers can exit isolation after 5 days however ought to proceed to put on a masks round others for 5 extra days. They'll return to video games with out a masks in the event that they obtain one adverse PCR check or two adverse antigen assessments 24 hours aside.
Clark’s availability going ahead is much less clear. He was sidelined earlier than the season by a concussion, giving the crew’s medical employees further cause to be cautious together with his return. Cronin additionally has a historical past of being conservative together with his gamers to safeguard their well being.
“Not quickly,” Cronin mentioned when requested about Clark’s return. “Undoubtedly not Saturday.”
Ahead Sam Alajiki scored 11 factors as the one participant in double figures for Cal (Sept. 11, 2-7), whose slide towards the underside of the convention continues. The Golden Bears made simply six of 21 three-pointers (28.6%) on the best way to their sixth loss in a row and tenth consecutive setback within the collection in opposition to UCLA.
With their depth depleted, the Bruins gave further minutes to backups Peyton Watson and Jake Kyman. Each made the a lot of the alternative, Kyman scoring a season-high 10 factors and Watson utilizing his lengthy arms to corral a excessive lob from Kyman earlier than laying it into the basket on the best way to 12 factors and 6 rebounds.
“On the finish of the day,” Watson mentioned, “it’s all about who performs the toughest, who desires it probably the most, and I would like it.”
UCLA reserve Russell Stong added one remaining spotlight, hoisting his first shot of the season within the remaining seconds. It was a three-pointer that dropped by means of the web, sending the gang and his towel-flapping teammates on the bench right into a frenzy.
After making simply the second shot of his profession and first in two seasons, Stong held up three fingers whereas retreating on protection. His teammates rushed over to mob him after the ultimate buzzer, a day that began with appreciable fear ending with smiles throughout.
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