Up next for UCLA basketball: Thursday vs. No. 1 Arizona
VS. NO. 1 ARIZONA
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Pauley Pavilion.
On the air: TV: ESPN. Radio: 570.
Records: UCLA 12-2, 1-0 in Pac-12 play; Arizona 15-0, 2-0.
Update: UCLA Coach Steve Alford leans heavily on numbers, and adding up his columns this looks like a classic collision of styles. Arizona ranks third in the nation in fewest points given up (54.9) and fifth in field-goal percentage defense (36.6). UCLA ranks eighth in scoring offense (87.1) and second in field-goal percentage (57.7). Arizona’s numbers have been built playing a schedule that includes victories over No. 13 San Diego State, No. 16 Duke and Michigan. UCLA puffed up statistics against Oakland, Chattanooga and Prairie View. When the Bruins stepped up in class, their numbers were not so glitzy. UCLA shot 37.7% against Missouri and 40.0% against Duke, both losses. The numbers that matter in this game are on the ruler. Arizona has size up front with 7-foot Kaleb Tarczewski, 6-9 Aaron Gordon, 6-8 Brandon Ashley and 6-7 Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. UCLA has more finesse than muscle and Tony Parker, the Bruins’ one banger, is prone to foul trouble. Which leads back to numbers. Arizona ranks fifth in rebound margin (12.1) and UCLA ranks 79th (4.2). The Bruins want to run. It’s difficult to do that without the ball.
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