UCLA Basketball: Utah Head Coach Craig Smith Praises Bruins Guard After Big Game

Utah HC Craig Smith praised this Bruin.

UCLA basketball guard Dylan Andrews earned nice praise after a tough 70-69 loss to Utah on Sunday. 

Utah head coach Craig Smith acknowledged the level that Andrews has been performing at recently, including averaging 17 points per game over his last five.

“(Dylan) Andrews has been playing at such a high level," Smith said after the game. "He’s been averaging 17 points per game in his last five contests. We did a good job on him until UCLA’s last play when he stuck it.”

via UCLA Communications

Andrews has been especially key for the Bruins as of late. As Smith mentioned, he was almost the hero of the game when he sunk in a two-point basket for the Bruins with six seconds left of the clock. His shot looked to be the game-winner until Utah's Branden Carlson hit the eventual game-winner with .2 seconds left.

Even with Utah game-planning to limiting his effectiveness, Andrews put up 15 points, two rebounds and one assist against the Utes. This was a notable improvement from when Andrews had just nine points, one rebound and two assists against Utah during UCLA's disastrous 90-44 loss to the Utes on Jan 11.

The sophomore has been honored multiple times over the past month for his play on the court. He was awarded the Pac-12 Player of the Week on Feb 5. Andrews was also named the UCLA student-athlete of the week two weeks in a row.

Overall on the season, Andrews is averaging 11.4 points, 2.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.