UCLA Basketball vs SMU: The Highs and Lows

With a 9:10AM Pacific Time tip tomorrow, it is just about time to start looking at the rematch against UAB. Before that, however, we want to take one more look back at yesterday's game against SMU. While Bruinette88 has already given us a great game recap in the post game thread and JoeBruin15 took another look at the goaltending call earlier today, we are now going to look at some of the other highs and lows of the game that may have been overshadowed by the shocking ending.

High:

While Bryce Alford's shooting has dominated the headlines, Norman Powell found a way to grind out a very productive game on day when he didn't have great touch on his jumper. He was a excellent 9/9 from the free throw line and was 2nd on the team with 6 rebounds. While it didn't have as much flash, his play was just as critical to the Bruin victory as Bryce's play was.

Low:

After the Thomas Welsh steal with 26 seconds left, we had a chance to push a 4-2 advantage to the basket. Bryce, Powell and Kevon Looney had a 3-2 opportunity, with Issac Hamilton streaking down the far side of the court. If Bryce had kicked the ball to Powell at the top of the key, we would have had a 2 on 1 opportunity to tie the game.

High:

UCLA did a fairly good job on defense for about 32 minutes of the game. The zone defense zapped the team's momentum in the first half, but on the whole, it was one of the team's better man-to-man efforts

Low:

For the other 8 minutes, the wheels came off the bus, allowing 7 consecutive SMU FGs. Nic Moore pretty much keyed the entire effort, burying multiple outside jumpers. Hamilton got caught twice trying to help on a big and twice went under screens allowing Moore to get quick jumpers off. It is unfortunate, however, that this overshadows the excellent first half defense than Hamilton played on Moore.

High:

While the 19-0 SMU run gets the most attention, the Bruins ended the game on a 16-6 run of their own. That is the kind of fight that you want to see in a team.

Low:

While we won the rebounding battle 34-33, we did not have a great rebounding game. We were out rebounded on the offensive boards 10-7 and only came out ahead on total rebounds because SMU missed so many shots, giving us the opportunity to grab more boards.

High:

Welsh once again showed what he can bring to the defensive end of the court, with 6 rebounds and 4 blocks in 22 minutes of play. While he obviously needs some off season development, his potential is very exciting.

Low:

For the 2nd straight game, an opposing PF has dominated in the post. After Ashley went for 24 points and 7 rebound, Markus Kennedy was able to put up 16 points and 9 rebounds in this game. We need to find an answer for a strong offensive post player.

High:

Bryce's 9 3-pointers was a UCLA tournament record and tied the UCLA school record.

Low:

UCLA had 18 turnovers. That is not a recipe for tournament success.

Chime in below with your opinions and you highs and lows in this game.