In a close game, Villanova and UCLA struggled with their shooting percentages. Villanova led at halftime despite shooting poorly. UCLA had moments of success, including a 7-0 run. However, Villanova ultimately secured a 58-52 victory. Mick Cronin's team missed an opportunity to enhance their March resume. Sebastian Mack scored his first points with 18:09 left in the game, but it wasn't enough for UCLA. Brendan Hausen's threes helped Villanova secure the win. The game was a missed opportunity for UCLA, whose best win remains a one-point home victory over UC Riverside. The loss complicates their March prospects. Lazar Stefanovic's late three-pointer wasn't enough for UCLA, as they ultimately faded in the loss.
How worried are we about UCLA and Villanova? The Wildcats pull out a win over the Bruins! AFTER DARK: https://t.co/m1rZy4CtxD https://t.co/tNZA5IHBHB
UPDATED WITH QUOTES: UCLA fades in loss to Villanova, spoiling chance to bolster its March resume https://t.co/7N5cYBuRfK
UCLA fades in loss to Villanova, spoiling chance to bolster their March resume https://t.co/7N5cYBuRfK
Now one month into the season, UCLA's best win remains a one-point home victory over UC Riverside after today's loss to Villanova. Next weekend's game against Ohio State in Atlanta looms large.
Lazar Stefanovic corner three-pointer and UCLA is down 58-52 with 2:13 left. One final push left for the Bruins?
Brendan Hausen has hit two threes and Villanova is up 52-45 with 4:38 left.
Gut-check time for UCLA. Sebastian Mack had last driving layup blocked and Lazar Stefanvoic just traveled. Score is tied and Villanova can retake lead with 6:37 left.
Not a good start to second half for UCLA. Adem Bona and Aday Mara both threw bounce passes for turnovers and Villanova has pulled into a 31-31 tie.
Sebastian Mack, UCLA's leading scorer, is finally on the board with 18:09 left in the game.
Terrible shot-clock awareness from UCLA on final possession but Bruins take a 29-25 lead into halftime. Dylan Andrews and Will McClendon have combined to make four of six three-pointers.
UCLA has used a 7-0 run to go up 26-22.
Adem Bona showing off his work on the jumper, UCLA within 22-21.
UCLA settling for jump shots, something Mick Cronin expressly said it couldn't do and win. Villanova back up 20-19 with 3:21 left in first half.
UCLA has used a 7-0 run to go up 14-13.
In a sign of the ugliness, Villanova is shooting 22.2% ... and is leading.
Good minutes from Aday Mara and UCLA is flip-flopping Mara and Adem Bona now, presumably to better cover the three-point line. Villanova up 13-12 with 8:01 left in first half. First team to 40 wins.
Both teams can't buy a basket. Villanova shooting 30.8% and UCLA 25%. Wildcats have made two more three-pointers and two more free throws than the Bruins. Villanova up 13-7 with 11:25 left in first half.
Villanova has taken 13 shots. Nine of them are 3s. Three of them have gone in.
Mick Cronin left Adem Bona in after first foul and Bona rewards him with a pump-fake and a basket. UCLA down 7-5 at first timeout.