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UCLA Basketball: Bruins Escape Cal's Late Surge, Secure 5th Consecutive Win

The Bruins survive in NorCal and stave off their rival Cal Golden Bears.

Ricardo Sandoval

UCLA Basketball: Bruins Escape Cal's Late Surge, Secure 5th Consecutive Win
UCLA Basketball: Bruins Escape Cal's Late Surge, Secure 5th Consecutive Win /
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Your UCLA Bruins had fans on an emotional rollercoaster in their latest game. At one point, the Bruins held a commanding 14-point lead in the second half, only to see it slip away. 

However, they managed to regain their composure when it mattered most and came out with a 61-60 win over their NorCal rivals, the California Golden Bears.

The game showcased a tale of contrasts for the Bruins. They displayed moments of sublime basketball, followed by periods of struggle to find their rhythm. 

Their shooting woes were evident, particularly during a late stretch where they converted just one of their ten attempts. Center Adem Bona, who had been grappling to find his touch throughout the game, delivered a crucial jump hook with just 50 seconds remaining, drawing a foul in the process.

Bona led the charge for the Bruins with 13 points, followed by guards Dylan Andrews and Lazar Stefanovic, who contributed 12 points each. These three players were the primary offensive contributors for UCLA, as they were the only three to score double digits.

Unfortunately, the Bruins' shooting woes persisted throughout the game, with their field goal percentage hovering at a modest 36.2% and their three-point shooting even lower at 29.4%. 

The second half proved particularly challenging, as they struggled to find their range and shot under 30% from the field overall.

Despite their offensive struggles, the Bruins managed to stay competitive by minimizing turnovers and dominating the boards. Their resilience was on full display as they battled through adversity and a hostile environment at Haas Pavilion.

With this hard-fought victory, the Bruins now find themselves two games above .500 and will return home from their road trip with momentum on their side. Their next challenge awaits as they prepare to face the Colorado Buffaloes on Thursday, aiming to extend their winning streak to six games.

This was a much-needed win for the Bruins, as a loss would have been tough to swallow after being up for the majority of the game. The Bruins have shown their growth throughout the year and will continue to do so with seven games remaining in the regular season. 

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Ricardo Sandoval
RICARDO SANDOVAL