UCLA Basketball: 3 keys to victory versus Arizona in Phoenix

The UCLA Bruins, fresh off a dramatic 73-71 win over Oregon in Eugene, are set to take on the Arizona Wildcats as part of a multi-year series on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2:00 p.m. CT at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. After falling flat to New Mexico in the first week of the season, the Bruins enter Saturday’s matchup on a seven-game win streak as its non-conference schedule begins to heat up. Meanwhile, things haven’t gone to plan so far in Tucson with the Arizona Wildcats sitting at just 4-4 on the season.

With Saturday’s slate filled with intriguing matchups, this one has the makings to deliver. Take a look at three keys to a UCLA Bruins victory as it looks to continue its early-season momentum.

1. Control the pace

According to Warren Nolan, UCLA is 342nd in the country in possessions per forty minutes (pace) at 64.9. On the contrary, Arizona is 12th in the country with an average of 73.2 possessions per 40 minutes, the 12th-highest in NCAA basketball. It’s a battle of contrasting styles and the Bruins must be the aggressor early to dictate the tempo and take control of the game from the jump.

2. Exploit Arizona on the perimeter

Arizona has struggled to defend the three ball, allowing opponents to shoot nearly 36% from behind the arc. While UCLA won’t be your prototypical run-and-gun matchup, it's got the pieces to be a formidable threat from three. Eric Dailey Jr. is shooting 47% from three. Lazar Stefanovic is shooting 49% from three. Although guards Sebastian Mack, Dylan Andrews, Kobe Johnson and Skyy Clark have struggled from deep, their ability to penetrate a weak Arizona defense and draw double teams is crucial to exploit Arizona on the perimeter.

3. Limit second-chance points

Arizona enters Saturday’s matchup as among the top offensive-rebounding teams in the country. Tobe Awaka is the centerpiece on the glass, averaging 4.1 offensive rebounds per game. UCLA’s stubborn defense will be enough to force tough shots and limit Caleb Love and Jaden Bradley on the perimeter and in transition.

But if they can limit second-chance points and keep Arizona’s potent offense in check to one possession per trip down the floor, that will be key.