The Fearsome Foursome: Episode 4

Another game, another 100 point performance, another win.

The No. 2 UCLA Bruins advanced to 11-0 on the season with two wins this week over Michigan and UC Santa Barbara. In both matchups the Bruins scored over 100 points, their fifth game of that nature in the season. Against Michigan, TJ Leaf and Lonzo Ball lead the way with 21 and 19 points respectively. The fab freshman on the Bruins all scored in double digits and gave UCLA a dominant 102-84 victory over a solid Michigan team.

TJ Leaf’s incredible play continued against UCSB; Leaf was two assists shy of a triple double as he put up 25 points 10 rebounds and 8 assists. UCLA played their best defensive game of the year against UCSB but going forward the Bruins should not take this game to heart. Beating a 1-7 team 102-62 is something that a team of UCLA’s caliber should do. This win extended their winning streak to 11 which, is second in the nation behind the No. 1 team, Villanova. The No. 2 team in the nation will face two more formidable opponents this week as Ohio State and Western Michigan travel to the Pauley Pavilion.

Western Michigan won’t be a threat to the Bruins, sorry not sorry. UCLA is way too talented to lose to Western but, this could be a trap game after a big non conference game against Ohio State. I still fully expect the Bruins the run all over Western.

The Buckeyes are one of the best unranked teams in the nation. Their only two losses this year were a two point loss at No. 6 UVA and a stunning upset against Florida Atlantic. Excluding Kentucky, Ohio State will be the best opponents UCLA will face in the season. This is another trial for this young team and can definitively prove to nation that they are for real. One of the biggest advantages for the Bruins, playing OSU at home. The Pavilion has been rocking this year. While attending a game this year, Nico Gervasoni said that it was the loudest it has been in years. A win against the Buckeyes will give the Bruins momentum going into Pac-12 play and I fully expect them to win. The game may be close but the Bruins will come away with another big victory. Isaac Hamilton will have a big game and the Bruins win, 87-76.