UCLA won Arizona State by a margin of 90-77 in a Wednesday night match at Pauley Pavilion, and kept control of the game. The Bruins then rose by 8 to 3 in the season, and the Sun Devils by 9 to 3 following the defeat on the road.
UCLA put three players in double figures, which was a statement of offensive behavior throughout the entire game. Donovan Dent scored 20 points on effective shooting. Skyy Clark and Tyler Bilodeau also scored 18 points each. Clark had a great perimeter game and knocked down six three-pointers, and Bilodeau made all eight of his free throws.
Arizona State was resilient, and Anthony Johnson (Pig) topped the Sun Devils with 20 points. Three other ASU players scored in the twenties, which allowed the team to remain within striking distance much of the second half, although it was down by the first minutes.
UCLA developed an initial advantage of intense defensive pressure, which restricted Arizona State's shooting effectiveness in the first half. The Bruins established a 10-point advantage by halftime and went to the break with a lead of 45-33 after forcing the opponents to take difficult shots and dictate the rhythm.
Key Runs Seal the Outcome
The Sun Devils narrowed the margin to one-digit margins four times in the second half, yet UCLA responded with timely scoring spurts. The Bruins were able to regain control with key three-pointers and transition finishes, putting the lead back into double figures in the last minutes of the match and winning.
The win will see UCLA carry on its home streak with other non-conference games at Pauley Pavilion. The Bruins will play Cal Poly next, and then they will conclude the period with UC Riverside as they seek to gain momentum as the season progresses.