The Fearsome Threesome, Epsiode 7: Attack of the Sweat Monster and the Wildcats

UCLA has put their heartbreaking loss to Oregon in the rearview mirror and have raddled off three straight victories.

Wins at home against Cal and Stanford and one away victory at Oregon State is just the beginning of the soft part of the Bruins schedule. In each of these games the Bruins have underwhelmed on the offensive end but their defense has improved.

It seems as if Steve Alford has made it a point to focus on defense in this soft spot in their schedule. In their past three victories they haven’t given up over 80 points which, for this high powered Bruins offense, is a manageable mark for every game. The Threesome of Lonzo Ball, Bryce Alford and TJ Leaf have been leading the way scoring with each averaging over 15 points a game. The Threesome will look to continue these numbers against some of the Pac-12’s softer teams in Colorado, Utah and Arizona State. Then, a battle of the Titans will happen when the Bruins host Sean Miller’s Sweaty Shirts and Arizona.

UCLA has more offensive talent than most any team in the nation, even Arizona. But, this recipe of winning won’t be prudent against teams in March and top teams in the Pac-12. The Bruins have to continue to play well on the offensive but the defensive needs to continue to improve. The offensive superstars Lonzo Ball and TJ Leaf must play better on the defensive end. Steve Alford has to do something that he’s not particularly great at, which is getting more out of his players. By getting Ball and Leaf playing defense a trickle down effect of getting the whole team playing defense.

This home game against Arizona is the most important game on the Bruins schedule. They have to win this game because going into Arizona and winning is a daunting task for anyone. I literally cannot stress how must win this game is, basically, if they lose this game then they will need some help winning the regular season title.

I do believe that they will come away with a victory in this game by sear offensive power. Ball Leaf and Bryce Alford have to score in the high teens and the bigs must crash the offensive boards. A Leaf and Thomas Welsh double-double game is a major key to success for the Bruins.

90-82 Bruins victory.