Johnny Juzang scored 17 factors and Eleventh-seeded UCLA fastidiously disregarded pesky Abilene Christian 67-47 to develop into the fifth crew to go from First 4 to Candy 16 within the NCAA Match
INDIANAPOLIS — Johnny Juzang scored 17 factors and Eleventh-seeded UCLA fastidiously disregarded pesky Abilene Christian 67-47 Monday to develop into the fifth crew to go from First 4 to Candy 16 within the NCAA Match.
The Bruins (20-9) meet the winner of Maryland-Alabama of their first regional semifinal look since 2017 — and their first with second-year coach Mick Cronin.
UCLA began its match Thursday by rallying to beat Michigan State in extra time and is the primary crew to rise from First 4 to the spherical of 16 since Syracuse in 2018. VCU in 2011 is the one First 4 crew to superior previous the regional semifinals, when the Rams went to the Closing 4.
The Bruins have been removed from spectacular, however their measurement and athleticism mixed with strong execution have been greater than sufficient to maintain the 14th-seeded Wildcats from springing one other upset.
Abilene Christian (24-5) pulled off one of the vital shocking victories in a match stuffed with them, beating third-seeded Texas for the varsity’s first Division I NCAA victory Saturday.
ACU’s stress protection and undersized guards triggered every kind of issues for Texas. The No. 1 protection within the nation at inflicting turnovers pressured the Longhorns into 23.
UCLA had no such points, committing simply eight turnovers. The Bruins used an 18-0 run in the midst of the primary half to construct a 14-point lead. Jake Kyman had a few 3s and mid-range jumper to gas the surge.
Abilene Christian beat Texas capturing simply 30.1% from the sphere and scoring 53 factors, however the cold-shooting continued towards UCLA. With out the additional possessions, the Wildcats could not sustain with the Bruins whereas capturing 29.8%.
ACU went 9 minutes within the first half with out scoring however managed to hold round as a result of the Bruins adopted up their massive run with a five-minute drought of their very own.
UCLA began the second half with a 14-1 run, with Juzang pulling down a 3 and Cody Riley (12 factors and 12 rebounds) slamming residence an alley-oop, and the Bruins cruised into the second weekend of the match.
BIG PICTURE
Abilene Christian: The Southland Convention champions have been attempting to develop into the third No. 14 seed to succeed in the Candy 16. The final was Chattanooga in 1997. Mahki Morris led the Wildcats with 14 factors, all of the second half.
UCLA: This was the sixth matchup of an 11 seed towards a 14 seed in NCAA Match historical past. The 11s at the moment are 6-0.
UP NEXT
The Bruins will look to win a regional semifinal for the primary time since 2008.
———
Extra AP school basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball and up to date bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket
Be the first to comment