Are The Bruins Locked And Loaded For That Deep March Madness Run?

Over a five day span at the end of January, the UCLA Bruins lost back-to-back games, at home against Arizona by 11 and to USC on the road by 8.

They looked tragically flawed.

What’s The Solution?

In the aftermath their defense was maligned. Many were quick to wonder what was wrong and if it could be fixed.

After the loss to USC, a bruinsnation.com blogger wrote, “Steve Alford is not a very good coach. Any shot at winning the Pac-12 regular season title has gone out the window.”

A Bit Premature Perhaps?

All-World freshman, Lonzo Ball had seemingly checked out, turning the ball over repeatedly and launching maniacal, heat-check threes.

Certainly his blowhard father, Lavar Ball, was already looking past his son’s college days to the NBA draft and his eldest boy’s place among the elite superstars.

Open Your Eyes!

“He’s better than Steph Curry to me,” boasted Lavar Ball. “Put Steph Curry on UCLA’s team right now and put my boy on Golden State and watch what happens.”

After rolling their eyes, no one would have blamed the powder blue and yellow faithful if they were ready to take a powder on Lonzo and his hyperbolic papa (for now, since his little high school brothers, LaMelo and Liangelo, are both UCLA commits).

Turned The Page

But, beyond papa bear Ball’s bluster, UCLA hasn’t lost since Jan. 25.

Recently, the Bruins avenged both of those January conference losses with a 32-point home drubbing of the Trojans and a convincing road win against the Wildcats.

Now, UCLA is 28-3 overall, 15-3 in the Pac 12, winners of eight straight and ranked No. 3 in the AP Top 25 Poll.

Nothing But Net

The balanced Bruin offense is an absolute juggernaut unlike anything fans have seen in Westwood for more than a decade. Six Bruins average double-digits in scoring:

UCLA leads the nation in both team scoring with 91.8 PPG and adjusted offensive efficiency, 124.9. That will earn them a high-seed come tourney time. They’re more than ready for March and the Pac-12 and NCAA Tournaments.

D’s The Key

But, it’s the newfound devotion to defense that must continue to improve to help drive UCLA deep into the dance.

The Bruins are balling and looking better defensively.

Much of that is attributable to the defensive renaissance orchestrated by coach Alford in the form of a long, athletic and stingy 2-3 zone.

The Bruins’ zone limits the number of opponents’ possessions, improves their rebounding and defensive FG%, and results in more takeaways and empty possessions for the opposition.

Smarts Paying Off

“Our guys are starting to understand if we get more stops, that means we’ll be even better offensively,” said coach Alford. “So it’s kind of been an evolution of these guys getting it — and I’m not saying they’ve got it yet.”

Oh, they’re getting it. The proof is there.

During the Bruins’ recent winning streak, they have not allowed more than 79 points in a game. That’s an average of under 70 PPG on defense during the stretch.

Huge Turnaround

In the five games before winning nine in a row UCLA opponents were pouring in 86.2 PPG.

What’s changed exactly?

“People have been killing us on our defense all year,” said UCLA senior, Bryce Alford. “We’ve been learning from our mistakes.”

This is a deeply talented team and perhaps the light bulb just went off. Maybe Alford can actually coach!

What’s clear is that they have started turning the ball over less and taking better shots, which has led to improved outcomes on defense, especially in their zone.

Yes And No!

Certainly, in recent games, the defense passes the eyeball test. But, do the analytics back it up? Not exactly.

According to Ken Pomeroy of kenpom.com, the Bruins’ current adjusted defensive efficiency – points allowed per 100 possessions adjusted for the opponent – is 100.4 and ranked No.90 among NCAA D1 teams.

For reference, Pac-12 foes, Cal (No.10), Oregon (No.20) and Arizona (No.30), all have a higher-rated adjusted defensive efficiency. Virginia is ranked No.1 at 86.4.

It’s important to note that in the last 15 years, no National Champ had an adjusted defensive efficiency rating ranked lower than No.21.

In the last 10 years, Virginia Commonwealth was the lowest ranked team to make the final four with an adjusted defensive efficiency ranking of No.88.

What Does It All Mean?

Also, more traditional statistics don’t help UCLA’s case much. The Bruins are ranked No.60 in defensive FG% allowed. Oregon is No.22. In defensive 3-pt FG% allowed, UCLA is No. 239. Oregon is No.17 and Arizona No.19.

But, screw that, right Bruins’ fans? It’s March! UCLA has a program changer and transformational player in one-and-done, projected NBA lottery pick, Ball.

Unsung hero, and the other super-freshman, Leaf, should be back from his ankle sprain in time for the Pac-12 tournament.

At Their Best!

And, no team in the NCAA is playing as efficiently and explosively as UCLA on offense.

After taking care of business with a dreadful Washington St. squad at Pauley Pavilion on Saturday and with a nice run through the conference tourney, UCLA could secure a No.1 seed in the Big Dance.

And that could potentially forge a deep drive into the Final Four for the first time since their three consecutive trips in ’06-’08.

When the Madness begins, keep your eye on the Ball.

IMAGE (31 ED O’BANNON, 25 GEORGE ZIDEK CELEBRATE BRUINS LAST NCAA TITLE IN 1995) BY MARK HARRISON / THE SEATTLE TIMES

• About
• Latest Posts

Vincent Morales

Vincent Morales graduated from the University of Southern California, School of Journalism and was the associate sports director at the student-run radio station where he was a play-by-play announcer and color commentator for hundreds of USC sporting events including two Rose Bowls and the inaugural conference basketball tournament.

Recently, Morales was the marketing manager and publicist for a world-renowned sports artist and was instrumental in securing and maintaining deals for the artist to work with Stephen Curry, Aaron Rodgers, Derek Jeter, Floyd Mayweather, Mayweather Promotions, the Topps Company, Steiner Sports, and Fanatics Authentic, among many others.

Morales is a lifelong resident of southern California.

Latest posts by Vincent Morales (see all)

• Wham, Bam, Thank You Sam, As QB Darnold Declares For The NFL Draft - January 16, 2018
• Checkmate: Dodgers Eye Harper, Kershaw (?) & 2019 World Series - December 19, 2017
• Lonzo Ball Finally Lands In Lakers’ Court, But Jury Still Out On Verdict - June 27, 2017