This matchup between UCLA and Rutgers was important, with six straight losses combined. The Knights are in rougher shape, facing a 1-5 start in Big Ten play, while the Bruins were looking to avoid their fourth consecutive defeat.
It was a close game, with UCLA having a small halftime lead. But Rutgers found some offense late, getting a nice enough lead and holding on for a 75-68 victory to end its own losing skid and earning a Quad 2 win for the resume.
Here are some takeaways from the result.
1. Ace Bailey’s starring role
For most of the season, Dylan Harper has been the star of the Scarlet Knights, with Bailey still playing well and being a second option. But ever since Harper has dealt with the flu, Bailey has taken over as the go-to guy. While Harper did have a good performance (18 points and four assists in 28 minutes), Bailey had a game-high 20 points and 10 rebounds, including a couple of key baskets down the stretch. Even once Harper is back to being 100%, Bailey is just as capable of taking over himself.
2. Rutgers frontcourt shut Tyler Bilodeau down
UCLA is one of the top defensive units in the Big Ten, but on Monday night, Rutgers was the team whose defense shined. The center duo of Lathan Sommerville and Emmanuel Ogbole held UCLA’s leading scorer, Bilodeau, to just six points, missing all seven field goal attempts. Eric Dailey (16 points) made up for it somewhat, but for a Bruins’ squad that can struggle on offense overall, Bilodeau’s struggles were key to UCLA losing.
3. Jeremiah Williams needed production off the bench
Harper and Bailey combined for 38 points but the main issue for Rutgers on the season has been the lack of consistent production from the supporting cast. But they got 37 points from everyone else, including 11 points from Williams, his first double-digit scoring game since November 30th versus Texas A&M.
Williams went scoreless in the prior game against Purdue, a team that lost to handily. If anyone can emerge as a consistent third option for the Scarlet Knights, it’s Williams. Rutgers will need more of that if they want to get back in the mix in Big Ten play.