The UCLA vs. Arizona basketball game is this Friday night, so we asked a UCLA basketball expert questions to get his take on the rivalry game.
ZonaZealots and GoJoeBruin started a tradition last year where we swap questions about any upcoming game between our teams.
This Friday, Arizona Basketball takes on UCLA Basketball at home at will probably be a Wildcats fan-packed McKale Center. We asked the Editor of GoJoeBruin, Mike Regalado, questions about his team and how he feels they will do against our Cats.
Five questions from the Bruin point of view in 3…2….1!
ZZ: Bryce Alford was a thorn in Arizona’s side in their last match-up at Pauley Pavilion, he couldn’t miss. How is his three-point shot these days? Has he gotten to be a better player or has he faltered at all?
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GJB: Bryce Alford has a killer outside shot. When he is on fire, he can’t be stopped. Unfortunately, opposing defenses have figured out a way to slow him down and get in his head. The thing about the UCLA offense is that it is not consistent and often rushed, which leads to a lot of forced shots.
Teams know that if they play Bryce tough, he will miss more shots. He is not going to stop shooting, even if there is a closely contested defender(s) in his face. To be truly effective, the team needs to work together to help open up shots for Bryce. On top of that, being a junior, Bryce needs not to make so many mistakes that are reminiscent of his freshman season.
ZZ: How do you think the Bruins will handle a packed and loud McKale Center?
GJB: This will be the toughest road game of the season for UCLA. The Bruins handled a tough Gonzaga crowd back in December, but they had a little bit more swagger then (after beating No. 1 Kentucky).
In conference, the Bruins have not done so well, and I can imagine morale has lessened since Gonzaga. With that being said, the vitriol will be a lot more pure and amplified at the McKale Center, especially after Arizona’s loss at Pauley Pavilion. IF UCLA can drown it out, then they should have a good game, but I’m not holding my breath.
ZZ: Which players on the Bruins team have improved since the last time the two teams met?
GJB: The biggest surprise (though it should not be a surprise if there was proper development on this team) is freshman Aaron Holiday. In the last few weeks, despite being a part of a few losses, Holiday has been the lone spark on the team. He seems to be the only Bruin that is prepared (or at least, shows some fire).
Additionally, my boy Thomas Welsh has been pretty solid. Though he needs to be more consistent, having a 7-footer nail mid-range shots is huge (pun intended).
ZZ: What do you think coach Alford could change that would make a difference and give the Bruins the edge to win?
GJB: I don’t want to drag on about what this team needs to adjust (GJB readers know I do that too much anyway) especially since Steve Alford does not make a lot of changes, but if I were the coach I would do three things: 1-Holiday would be the primary ball handler/PG, 2-keep Bryce on the wing at all times, 3-focus on more on-ball defense (and put a hand up for Pete’s sake!)
ZZ: What do you think is the reason the Bruins have fallen lately? Is it team chemistry? The coach? Is it an individual player?
GJB: Motivation. There is no fire. There is no ‘Fight, Fight, Fight!’ UCLA needs to somehow find a way to come out swinging. If they can do that, they can beat anybody. Sort of.
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BearDown Mike! May the better team win at home! Ha ha ha.