UCLA’s Bryce Alford is a barometer for team
UCLA’s Bryce Alford, left, tries to get past Oregon State’s Malcolm Duvivier during the first half on Wednesday.
UCLA’s win on Wednesday against Oregon State was unusual. Guard Bryce Alford had an off shooting night, yet the Bruins won.
That doesn’t happen often.
UCLA typically fares as well as Alford shoots. In wins, he is shooting 46%. In losses, 28%, by far the biggest swing of any UCLA starter.
Forward Tony Parker and guard Isaac Hamilton shoot slightly better in losses. Center Thomas Welsh and guard Aaron Holiday also shoot slightly better in wins, but the difference for each is less than 7%.
On Wednesday, UCLA Coach Steve Alford noted UCLA’s balance. “We’ve got many weapons,” he said.
All five UCLA starters average double figures in scoring.
UCLA NEXT UP
AT OREGON
When: 1 p.m. Saturday.
Where: Matthew Knight Arena, Eugene, Ore.
On the air: TV: Channel 2; Radio: 570.
Update: UCLA (12-7 overall, 3-3 Pac-12) picked up its first conference road win Wednesday, against Oregon State. The Ducks (15-4, 4-2) are undefeated at home and are ranked in the national top 10 in the Ratings Percentage Index (RPI). A win for the Bruins would accomplish two things: pull them even with Oregon in the Pac-12 standings and add another quality win to their resume. Dillon Brooks, Oregon’s leading scorer, managed 14 points and seven rebounds against USC on Thursday despite an illness.
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