Start five: UW goes for California sweep vs. UCLA

On January 22, 2025By Littum

4. A BOOKING WITH THE BRUINS

UW only has to travel 12 miles to face its next opponent, the UCLA Bruins. UCLA is 12-6 overall this season, with a 3-4 record in conference play. After starting 2-0 against Big Ten teams, the Bruins dropped four straight conference games in January to Nebraska, Michigan, Maryland and Rutgers. However, the team rebounded last Friday with a 94-70 win over Iowa.

Head coach Mike Cronin is in his sixth season with the team and has an overall record of 127-59 with the Bruins. He led the team to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances from 2020-21 to 2022-23, including a trip to the Final Four in 2020-21.

UCLA this season is one of the Big Ten’s best defensive teams, holding opponents to a conference-best 63.7 points per possession. match. USC transfer and Wisconsin native Kobe Johnson is a big part of the defense that leads the team in rebounds (5.8) and steals per game. battle (1.9). Tyler Bilodeau and Eric Dailey Jr. leads the team in scoring with 14.6 and 12.2 points per game respectively. match.