Final Score Recap: UCLA Stuns Indiana 72-68 in Thrilling Match

Here are some insights following Indiana’s 72-68 defeat against UCLA:

Game Recap

UCLA showcased an impressive defensive strategy during the first half of their game at Assembly Hall on Friday night. The Hoosiers initially took a 10-9 lead at the 15:49 mark, but the Bruins quickly tightened their defense, holding IU to just 15 points for the remainder of the half. By halftime, UCLA had established a comfortable 35-25 advantage, leading by as much as 13 points. Indiana’s shooting performance was concerning, managing only 9-of-28 from the field and 2-of-13 from three-point range, resulting in a mere .84 points per possession. The absence of Mackenzie Mgbako, who left the game with a foot injury in the first half, further hampered Indiana’s efforts. In the paint, UCLA dominated the Hoosiers, outscoring them 18-12.

The Hoosiers responded vigorously in the second half, hitting three of their first five three-point attempts before the first media timeout, fueled by 10 quick points from Luke Goode. At the under-16 break, Indiana had narrowed the gap to 42-38. However, UCLA responded by extending their lead back to seven points at 52-45 with 11:46 left in the game. Following a timeout by Indiana’s head coach Mike Woodson, the Hoosiers scored five consecutive points, but UCLA’s Skyy Clark answered with a three-pointer to increase their lead to eight again with just over eight minutes remaining. Indiana managed to stay close thanks to Myles Rice’s contributions, including a three-pointer and an impressive layup that reduced UCLA’s lead to six just before the final media timeout. Malik Reneau’s layup brought the score to 70-66 with 2:42 left, prompting UCLA to call a timeout.

Sebastian Mack’s three-point play increased UCLA’s lead to 70-63. Nevertheless, Indiana did not give up easily, scoring the next five points through Luke Goode’s free throws and a three-point play from Malik Reneau, closing the gap to just two points at 53.1 seconds. A chaotic possession by UCLA resulted in a jump ball, granting IU possession. The Hoosiers had two opportunities to tie or take the lead but missed a jumper and a putback attempt from Mgbako. With only 8.8 seconds left, Indiana called a timeout. Coming out of the break, Mgbako missed a potential game-tying three-pointer. Indiana then fouled Dylan Andrews of UCLA, who sealed the game by hitting both free throws.

Key Player

Luke Goode stood out for the Hoosiers, scoring 16 points on 6-of-13 shooting, while Mackenzie Mgbako and Malik Reneau added 14 points each.

Noteworthy Statistics

UCLA effectively forced Indiana into difficult perimeter shots, resulting in a dismal shooting performance from beyond the arc for the Hoosiers, who finished with only 7-of-29 (24.1 percent).