The UCLA men’s basketball team will have its first opportunity to beat a ranked team in Pac-12 play at No. 12 Arizona on Saturday. The Bruins are on a two-game winning streak, including a confidence-boosting comeback win at Arizona State on Wednesday.
“(Coach Cronin) is giving us confidence,” UCLA freshman guard Sebastian Mack said after Wednesday’s win. “He’s talking to us, if it’s in a group or one by one, he always lets us know that he still believes in us and that he thinks we can still do it.”
“I have to help keep them getting better and if you do the right things you get a chance to win,” UCLA coach Mick Cronin.
UCLA went 1-2 against Arizona last season, losing at Arizona during the regular season and in the championship game of the Pac-12 tournament in Las Vegas.
“Saturday is going to be another brutal test,” Cronin said. “I’m trying to make it about the guys on the team, not about me.”
Here’s what you need to know about Saturday’s pivotal Pac-12 matchup:
UCLA AT ARIZONA
When: Saturday, 1 p.m.
Where: McKale Center, Tucson
TV/Radio: ESPN2/570 AM
Records: UCLA is 8-10, 3-4 Pac-12, Arizona is 13-4, 4-2
UCLA’s latest result: The Bruins overcame a 15-point deficit early in the second half to pull out a big 68-66 win at Arizona State Wednesday night. Junior guard Lazar Stefanovic had a team-high 18 points, including seven of eight at the free-throw line. Sophomore forward Adem Bona had a career-high seven blocks and five assists, to go along with his nine points and six rebounds.
“I’m trying to be a team player,” Bona said after Wednesday’s game. “I’m trying to do everything I can to help my team win.”
Freshman guard Brandon Williams added 13 points off the bench. Freshman guard Sebastian Mack added 11 points in the second half to secure the win.
Arizona’s latest result: The Wildcats are coming off an 82-67 win at home against USC on Wednesday. Senior guard Caleb Love had a game-high 20 points,…
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