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Gonzaga Basketball: 3 keys to beat UCLA Bruins in Sweet 16 matchup

By Tristan Freeman

Mar 1, 2023; Spokane, Washington, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Drew Timme (2) talks tot he crowd after a game against the Chicago State Cougars at McCarthey Athletic Center. Gonzaga won 104-65. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2023; Spokane, Washington, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Drew Timme (2) talks tot he crowd after a game against the Chicago State Cougars at McCarthey Athletic Center. Gonzaga won 104-65. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /
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College Basketball
UCLA Bruins forward Adem Bona Zachary BonDurant-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Get Adem Bona in foul trouble

With two more games of 20+ points in the NCAA Tournament, Drew Timme is tied for the most in postseason history with nine. He’s been dominant in just about every NCAA Tournament game but he’s not perfect, as opposing defenses can slow him down.

In the past, athletic and physical big men have caused Timme trouble and UCLA’s starting center fits that despection. Adem Bona, a 6’10 and 240-pound center, is a former five-star prospect out of high school and has been highly impactful on the defensive end, getting named on the Pac-12 all-defense team.

The Pac-12 Rookie of the Year averages around 23 mpg as a full-time starter but part of the reason why he doesn’t play more is that Bona gets in plenty of foul trouble. Out of the 33 total games he’s played, the freshman center has had either 4 of 5 fouls in 15 of them. In the last matchup against Arizona, Bona was limited to just 12 minutes.

Assuming he’s near 100% health after a recent shoulder injury, Bona has the abiltiy to make things difficult for Timme. On the other hand, Timme could have Bona sitting on the bench for most of the first half. The UCLA big man hasn’t dealt with players like Timme before and the Bulldogs need to win this matchup in order for them to have a chance to win.