UCLA Basketball: Bruins Drop Close Game on Road to Oregon

The Bruins split its road trip in the Pacific Northwest.

Though UCLA scratched and clawed the entire contest, Mick Cronin's team still came up short in a 64-59 loss on the road to the Oregon Ducks in Eugene. 

Big man Adem Bona led the team with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocks in the defeat. Freshman Berke Buyuktuncel had the best game of his young career -- pouring in 12 points on an efficient 5-of-7 from the floor.

Oregon was led by freshman guard Jackson Shelstad. The Payton Pritchard clone led all players with 20 points. He and backcourt mate Jermaine Couisnard combined for 35 points and 7-of-13 from behind the arc. 

FINAL: Oregon 64, UCLA 59#GoBruins pic.twitter.com/ZjScDE18Hd

— UCLA Men’s Basketball (@UCLAMBB) December 30, 2023

The gap in three-point shooting was the difference in this game. UCLA converted on only 3-of-19 attempts. Conversely, Oregon went 10-of-25 from three-point range. 

While UCLA crushed Oregon both on the boards and on second-chance opportunities, the lack of a reliable three-ball killed the Bruins in this contest.  

At points, the inability to hit an open shot became demoralizing. Not to pick on any player, but Lazar Stefanovic had numerous chances to convert without anyone in his general vicinity. 

The freshman with the jumper to end the half 🎯 @UCLAMBB pic.twitter.com/bTh0XRwi6h

— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) December 30, 2023

Reportedly having a reputation as a shooter heading into the season, Stefanovic went 4-of-14 in this ballgame. Throughout the season, the Serbian wing is shooting less than 34 percent from the field, and below 32 percent from three. 

While he is a leader on the floor, in addition to being a good rebounder and a willing defender, one must wonder whether Cronin should cut his minutes a bit. A player such as Ilane FIbleuil may end up being more productive in limited minutes considering his ceiling as an athlete and defender. 

Regardless, Cronin can't hate the results from this road trip. A split is probably the best-case scenario here at this point for this young team. The team did gain some confidence from this two-game stretch. Duly, the defensive effectiveness appears to have improved. Not only that, but Bona also has done a better job of not fouling. 

The Bruins will now head home to play Stanford in Pauley Pavilion on Jan. 3.