UCLA men’s basketball prepares to conclude the calendar year with a home game against UC Riverside at Pauley Pavilion. The Bruins aim to build on their recent offensive success when they tip off at 1 PM PST on B1G Network.
UC Riverside enters the matchup with a 6-7 record, lacking signature wins this season. They have suffered significant defeats by double digits against stronger programs like New Mexico and BYU.
The Highlanders’ most notable victory came on the road with a close four-point win over Cal Poly. UCLA recently dominated Cal Poly at Pauley, suggesting UCLA may still hold a clear advantage despite UCR’s potential resilience.
UC Riverside is led by first-year head coach Gus Argenal, whose squad mainly competes against low- and mid-major teams. Their schedule includes only a few high-major matchups, notably games against BYU and New Mexico.
Argenal’s starting lineup boasts size and skill, but the bench depth shows a sharp decline in quality. This imbalance could impact their ability to challenge UCLA throughout the game.
UCLA will look to exploit their depth and offensive firepower against a less experienced UCR bench. The Bruins’ recent performances have shown their capability to dominate both ends of the floor.
Fans tuning in can expect UCLA to control the pace and impose their style of play early. UC Riverside will need to overcome the talent gap and maintain intensity to remain competitive.
This game presents UCLA an opportunity to finish the year strong at Pauley Pavilion. Meanwhile, UCR aims to gain valuable experience and test their limits against a high-major opponent.
With shared ambitions on the line, the matchup will highlight UCLA’s quality while offering insights into UCR’s growth under Coach Argenal. Both teams face important goals as the season progresses into the new year.
Read more at: 247sports.com-
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