Two of college basketball’s most decorated programs meet for the first time as conference foes on Friday when Indiana welcomes UCLA for a Big Ten clash at Bloomington, Ind.
The programs, which have combined for 16 national titles and 3,966 wins, have split the previous 12 all-time meetings, with five of those coming in the NCAA Tournament.
UCLA (18-7, 9-5 Big Ten) aims for a split in its two-game road swing after Tuesday’s 83-78 loss at Illinois ended a seven-game winning streak. The Bruins were playing some of their best defense of the season, holding four of the previous five opponents to 61 points or fewer.
UCLA then saw Illinois score 52 points in the second half Tuesday, negating a 53-point half for the Bruins.
“We got exposed defensively,” UCLA coach Mick Cronin said. “We had different guys that weren’t able to guard the ball and stay in front of it. That was my biggest concern.”
The Bruins are 15-1 when holding opponents to 71 points or fewer this season, but just 3-6 when giving up 72 points or more. Their 64.6 points per game yield ranks No. 23 nationally.
Indiana (15-10, 6-8) ended a five-game skid with its 71-67 victory Tuesday at No. 11 Michigan State. It marked the first time since Jan. 8 the Hoosiers held an opponent to fewer than 70 points.
Before Tuesday’s win, Indiana was 1-7 over its previous eight games and allowing an average of 80.0 points per contest. The Hoosiers allow 73.2 points per game, which ranked 228th nationally entering Thursday’s play.
“These guys have been down. We’ve been scrapping and scratching trying to find a way,” Indiana coach Mike Woodson said. “There’s a lot of basketball left. I have to get them to believe. That’s what it’s all about. We’re playing to get into the tournament. Anything can happen. We have to continue to work.”
UCLA’s visit begins a three-game homestand for Indiana in its final month under Woodson’s direction. The Hoosiers alum announced he will step down at season’s end following a four-year tenure as head coach.
The Hoosiers’ offense featured four scorers averaging at least 11 points per game: Oumar Ballo (13.7), Mackenzie Mgbako (13.0), Malik Reneau (12.7) and Myles Rice (11.0).
The Bruins have three scorers averaging in double figures, led by Tyler Bilodeau’s 14.3 points per game. Sebastian Mack has grown into a prominent part of the UCLA offense averaging 10 points per game, primarily coming off the bench.
–Field Level Media
