The Wildcats put on a stunning performance against the Texas Longhorns, pulling out the win despite a dreadful shooting performance. They force a ton of Texas turnovers, something the guard-savvy Bruins as unlikely to do. UCLA know their opponents can’t keep up with their scoring, so it’s just about ball security.
Picks:
UCLA def. Abilene Christian ()
Under 133.5
If you’re looking for the best bonuses, take a look at our March Madness betting promo codes & betting bonuses!
How to Watch UCLA Bruins vs Abilene Christian Wildcats
| UCLA vs Abilene Christian Information |
| What |
UCLA vs Abilene Christian |
| Where |
Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana |
| When |
5:15 PM EST, March 22nd, 2021 |
| How to Watch |
TBS |
Head-to-Head: UCLA Bruins vs Abilene Christian Wildcats
| UCLA |
Head-to-Head |
Abilene Christian |
| Mick Cronin |
Head Coach |
Joe Golding |
| 19-9 (13-6, 4th in Pac-12) |
Standing |
24-4> (13-2, 2nd in Southland) |
| W-W-L-L |
Form |
W-W-W-W |
| 108.9 (51st of 347) |
Off Rtg |
106.2 (93rd of 347) |
| 102.0 (220th of 347) |
Def Rtg |
83.3 (1st of 347) |
|
Leaders (Per Game)
|
| J. Juzang (15.0) |
PPG |
K. Kohl (12.0) |
| C. Smith (6.4) |
RPG |
J. Pleasant (5.5) |
| T. Campbell (5.5) |
APG |
R. Miller (4.3) |
| J. Jaquez (1.1) |
SPG |
D. Daniels, R. Miller (2.0) |
| J. Hill (1.0) |
BPG |
K. Kohl (1.0) |
| M. Etienne (.600)/J. Juzang (5.4) |
FG%/FGM |
K. Kohl (.541)/K. Kohl (4.7) |
| C. Smith (.500)/J. Juzang (2.0) |
3P%/3PM |
J. Pleasant (.476)/C. Gayman (1.2) |
Why Might the UCLA Bruins Win?
The Bruins showed off why they’re a force to be reckoned with in their first-round matchup with BYU and even their First Four match with Michigan State. They play hard, they play fast, and if you let them, the Bruins can hit some game-changing shots.
In their last match against BYU, the Bruins were red-hot from the field. They made 28 field goals and 20 of those were three-pointers. They hit on 20 of 39 three-pointers, going 51.3% from behind the arc on the night. They lost the rebounding battle, but only committed three turnovers on the game.
So long as they control the ball in possession, they can have a similar night against Abilene Christian. They’ll be up against a fierce, pressure defence, but UCLA have the playmakers to break the press and score.
Editor’s Picks
Why Might the Abilene Christian Wildcats Win?
The Wildcats want to do exactly what they did against the Texas Longhorns in order to take down the UCLA Bruins. Pressure the ball, force difficult shots, and make their free throws in order to keep the game close.
If you took a look at Abilene Christian’s box score, nothing would jump out at you. They shot under 30% from the field and under 17% from three. Sure, they made 10 of 12 free throws, but that wasn’t much in the grand scheme of things. What set them apart from Texas was their tireless press, forcing 22 turnovers from the Longhorns.
If the Wildcats want to win this match against the Bruins, they’ll need to do a bit more with their scoring. They showed that their nation-best defence isn’t a joke, but they’ll need some shooting and finishing to take down UCLA.
Bruins Key Player: (G) Johnny Juzang
After a scary injury in his First Four matchup with Michigan State, Bruins guard Johnny Juzang recovered quickly and put on a show against BYU.
Juzang played 39 minutes and scored 27 points on 10 of 16 shooting from the field. The sophomore guard’s ability to get to the free throw line only opened up his scoring opportunities further.
The sophomore will want to continue his hot trend against Abilene Christian. They don’t pose the same defensive weapons as BYU did, but they pressure hard as a team and can easily run the willing shooter off the line.
Wildcats Key Player: (G) Damien Daniels
Everyone loves cheering for the little guy and junior guard Damien Daniels has the kind of game that everyone loves. Standing at just 5’7, the Wildcats point guard is the engine that drives their defence.
With seemingly unlimited stamina, Daniels spearheaded the Wildcats’ pressure defence. While his shooting was nothing to write home about, one of 10 in 27 minutes, he collected five steals en route to a game best defensive rating.
Daniels will need to keep pace with a trio of capable ball handlers in Jaime Jaquez, Johnny Juzang, and Tyger Campbell, but the Wildcat leader seems up to the challenge.
/filters:no_upscale()/fit-in/1200x585/1665751714/ucla-bruins-vs-abilene-christian-wildcats.jpg.jpeg "ucla-bruins-vs-abilene-christian-wildcats")
/1666344578/christian-jope.png "Christian jope")
/dmca.png "Dmca"){kind=small}
/1670944202/21.png "21"){kind=small}
/1670944628/2022-igb-best-casino-affiliate-gig-media-e1651053747946.png "2022 igb best casino affiliate gig media e1651053747946"){kind=small}
/1670944701/gig-media-power-affiliates-rank-123x40-1.png "Gig media power affiliates rank 123x40 1"){kind=icon}
/1670944773/800-gambler-black-144x40.jpg "800 gambler black 144x40"){kind=small}
/1718715753/gpwa.webp "Gpwa"){kind=small}
