Returning from the sun-soaked courts of Hawaii, UCLA braces itself for a more relaxed encounter as they welcome UC Riverside in Los Angeles on Thursday. This follows the Bruins’ mixed performance at the Maui Invitational, where they engaged in intense battles against Marquette and Gonzaga, ultimately securing a resounding victory over Chaminade.
UCLA gets lighter test vs. UC Riverside
UCLA, currently standing at 4-2, navigated nail-biting duels against Marquette (71-69) and Gonzaga (69-65) but found solace in a commanding 76-48 triumph over Chaminade. Sebastian Mack emerged as a pivotal figure in all three contests, earning him the prestigious title of Pac-12 Conference Player of the Week. Mack’s scoring prowess, averaging 15.8 points per game over six matches, has been instrumental in UCLA’s early-season campaign.
Coach Mick Cronin’s trust in the freshman Mack has been well-placed, evident in Mack’s stellar performances against formidable opponents. Mack expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him but remains hungry for continuous improvement. Notably, Mack outshines his fellow UCLA freshmen, including Aday Mara and the recently cleared Berke Buyuktuncel, who rebounded impressively from a challenging debut.
UC Riverside (3-4) steps onto UCLA’s court for the sixth time in their shared history and the first since November 2016, a game in which UCLA dominated with a 98-56 victory. The Highlanders, fresh from a split at the Montana State tournament, exhibit a gritty defensive style and a collective offensive approach, as highlighted by Coach Mike Magpayo during Big West Conference media day.
Ben Griscti, Isaiah Moses, and Barrington Hargress form a trio averaging double figures in scoring, showcasing UC Riverside’s balanced offensive contributions. Griscti, with 10 points per game, and Moses, with 11 points per game, add firepower to Hargress’s 12 points per game. Their recent 109-63 rout of Bethesda underscores their offensive depth, with five players scoring at least 12 points.
As the clash unfolds, UCLA seeks to leverage its experience against UC Riverside, aiming to build on their promising start to the season. Meanwhile, UC Riverside, with a commendable 22-12 record last season, endeavors to etch another chapter in its Division I history. The hardwood drama awaits, promising an intriguing showdown between these two basketball contenders.
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