UCLA Basketball: Bruins Guard Gets Honest About Lack of Physicality Against WSU

UCLA couldn't overcome the strength of Washington State on Saturday.

The UCLA Bruins dropped another tough game on Saturday evening, this time to the Washington State Cougars. It was reminiscent of the struggles that this team had seen throughout the season, and their issues reared their ugly head once again.

The inexperience of the Bruins showed again, as they couldn't contain Washington State in the second half. UCLA blew a lead prior to halftime and could match the energy from the Cougars.

Bruins guard Lazar Stefanovic spoke after the game about the lack of physicality the team showed compared to Washington State. They were heavily outrebounded by the Cougars, and it showed in the final score.

“Yeah, obviously. I think minus-15, if I’m not wrong.”

Per Lazar Stefanovic via UCLA Communications

UCLA had no answer for Washington State as they pulled away in the second half. The Cougars attacked the Bruins's normally strong defense, but it was no match. 

“I think they started driving the ball and beating us on the dribble. I think our defense got a bit worse, we got I guess a little bit tired. I think that changed a little bit of rhythm. They got some easy ones in transition and that’s how they got fans involved and that’s how they got back in it.”

Per Lazar Stefanovic via UCLA Communications

Overall it was a troubling game for UCLA, and one that they needed to win. They will already have some trouble making the NCAA Tournament, so finishing strong over their final few games and in the Pac-12 Tournament will be the only way to clinch.