UCLA Basketball: A look at Bruins thrilling win over Utah Utes

Frontcourt issues

The frontcourt play from Jalen Hill and Cody Riley has been unpredictable at times for UCLA. Tonight, was one of the most unproductive games between the two we have seen in a long, long time.

Cody Riley saw just one of his six attempts from the field go in, meanwhile, Hill had 0 attempted shots. A combined 1-6 day with 8 total points from their two back-to-the-basket threats isn’t ideal and simply will not work in games that UCLA doesn’t shoot the lights out from three.

However, Hill went 6-8 from the FT stripe, with a few of them in very key spots. Jalen came into the game at 56% on the year, but sunk 6-8 and helped propel the Bruins to the finish line.

Cody Riley is a perfect example of this inconsistent play down low. He has had four games over ten points, but now has three games of under five points. Which Riley will show up will be a major barometer on how good this UCLA team can be when it’s all said and done.

Their counterparts, Branden Carlson and Mikael Jantunen went a combined 6-9 from the floor. Hill and Riley did snatch ten total rebounds, including four offensive boards. Both have the ability to play at an extremely high level, but neither has seemed to do it night-in and night-out.

The Bruins will have their hands full when the Colorado Buffaloes come to Pauley Pavilion on Saturday. With McKinley Wright and the perimeter firepower that the Buffaloes have, Riley and Hill’s increased production is a necessity for the Bruins to come out of there with a win.

Thankfully, though, tonight’s three-point barrage limited the effect of an ineffective front line.