UCLA Basketball: 3 keys to beating Gonzaga Bulldogs in Sweet 16 matchup

Defending Timme

Interior defense hasn’t been a strength for the Bruins this season. Freshman Adem Bona has made noticable strides in that area, but is still foul-prone. Kenneth Nwuba and Mac Etienne can also be used to guard fives, but it’s not something Cronin wants to be overly reliant on. That weakness will be put to the test as Drew Timme. Timme has arguably the best footwork of any big in the country. He draws fouls at a premium with his elite pump-fakes and body control.

Slowing down Timme will require all bigs and help defenders to be on notice. Bona serves as the best matchup with his raw tools. Avoiding two quick ones will be super important for him. I was also impressed with Nwuba’s defense in the first weekend and don’t think there’s too much of a drop-off between him and Bona. I’m curious to see if UCLA goes super small with Jaquez at the five. It’d be a tough matchup for him, but it would also make it harder on Timme who would have to guard in space.

If Bona and Nwuba get into early foul trouble, UCLA could be in for a long night. But, hold Timme to an average night and run off Gonzaga’s shooters and the Bruins will have a real chance.