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ASU Basketball: How UCLA Used Their Size to Dominate ASU

By Jala Norman

Feb 23, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Ike Anigbogu (13) dunks against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half at Wells-Fargo Arena. The Sun Devils won 87-75. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Ike Anigbogu (13) dunks against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half at Wells-Fargo Arena. The Sun Devils won 87-75. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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The ASU basketball team faced off against the UCLA Bruins on Thursday night, where they were defeated 87-75. This is the second time this season that the two teams went head-to-head. ASU is now 0-2 against UCLA this season.

The Sun Devils led the Bruins during the first six minutes of the game, but UCLA took charge shortly after. UCLA’s star point guard Lonzo Ball had a season low of four points in Thursday’s game, but the Bruins managed to carry out an effective game plan based off of their size advantage.

The styles of play for both teams are incredibly different. UCLA can play both inside and outside, while ASU’s strength is playing outside. With ASU’s starting lineup being generally smaller than UCLA, the Bruins won the game by playing big. This strategy proved to be very effective. Offensively, UCLA created more opportunities for themselves by playing inside, where they could not be guarded.

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By having a taller team, it allowed UCLA to have flawless execution in the paint, which created a challenge for the Sun Devils’ smaller lineup. The Bruins out-rebounded and outscored the Devils at the rim. At 6-foot-10 inches, TJ Leaf was able to attack the rim and lead his team with 25 points and nine rebounds. His teammate, 7-footer Thomas Welsh, dominated with 11 rebounds.

Unlike the Bruins, ASU played from the three point line, where they outscored their opponent by 10.8 percent. Senior guard Torian Graham led the team with 28 points while Kodi Justice followed with 19 points. Despite their efforts, the team failed to keep up with UCLA. Their smaller stature caused them to struggle in every aspect of the game other than shooting three-pointers.

On March 4th, when the Sun Devils take on the Arizona Wildcats, they will face a similar challenge. The only way that ASU can come out victorious against the Wildcats is if they improve their three point percentage. Considering the fact that they will be unable to drive to the basket, they must find an effective way to put points on the board.

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