UCLA Basketball: How Freshman Led Bruins To Surprise Late Comeback Vs Sun Devils
Your UCLA Bruins' win over Arizona State on Wednesday night was not just important because it gave the club back-to-back victories for the first time since November, but because it showed some of their younger players stepping up to drive the comeback effort.
One of those players was freshman guard Sebastian Mack. Mack put in 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal to help the Bruins notch a 68-66 win. This included two layups and a steal to help seal the win for UCLA at the end of game. Mack spoke on what went into those plays after the game, via UCLA Communications.
“That was doing whatever it takes to win," Mack said. "We’ve been in practice working hard trying to get over that hump. I feel like tonight we did that. I started off really slow, but I just kept working, listening to what coach said. He got on me a little bit. I know it’s all out of love. He told me just to keep playing.”
Though he started off slow -- along with the rest of the Bruins as they trailed by 15 points to Arizona State at one point -- Mack came through when his team needed it most.
“Whatever the team need, I was there for it," Mack shared. "When they needed me to penetrate and kick, I got my guys open shots. When they needed me to go score and get fouled, I was there. I was really doing whatever it took to win.”
Mack is now averaging 13.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists while shooting 37.8% from the field through his freshman year. More importantly, this win should help amp up the confidence for Mack and some of his fellow young teammates, knowing they can pull off such a comeback against one of the Pac-12's better teams.
