The No. 19 UCLA Bruins (4–1) won easily against the Sacramento State Hornets (3–3) with a score of 79–48 in Los Angeles. UCLA used a new starting lineup and strong defense to control the game from the start. This big win shows that UCLA is a strong team early in the NCAA basketball season. It also gives fans excitement for upcoming games in Los Angeles.
A Defensive Masterclass Sets the Tone
UCLA’s defense was the best part of the game. For the first six minutes, Sacramento State could not score. This gave UCLA an early lead and stopped Sacramento State from finding their rhythm.
The Hornets only made 24.1% of their shots. By halftime, UCLA led 42–17. This strong start gave UCLA’s new lineup confidence and set the pace for the rest of the game. Coach Mick Cronin’s team played very well together.
Success of the Strategic Shift in the Starting Five
UCLA changed its starting lineup for this game. The new starters were Trent Perry, Jamar Brown, Steven Jamerson II, Eric Dailey Jr., and Brandon Williams. This change worked very well.
The new starters helped with defense and scored efficiently. Trent Perry scored 11 points, and Jamar Brown scored 10 points. Players like Tyler Bilodeau, Donovan Dent, Skyy Clark, and Xavier Booker came off the bench to add more scoring and keep the pressure on Sacramento State. This shows that UCLA’s coaches made a smart change.
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Standout Player Performances
The win was a team effort, but some players were especially good. Eric Dailey Jr., a sophomore forward, had 15 points and 12 rebounds. He helped both in scoring and rebounding.
Xavier Booker, coming off the bench, scored 12 points. Four players scored 10 or more points, showing that UCLA’s new lineup works well. The team played hard and shared scoring, which shows their strength and teamwork.
Injury Affects Hornets’ Performance
Sacramento State’s player Jeremiah Cherry got hurt with 8:18 left in the first half. He was their top scorer and rebounder but only got 2 points and 1 rebound before leaving the game.
Cherry’s injury made it harder for Sacramento State to compete. The Hornets tried hard but could not beat UCLA’s strong defense. This injury will be important news for Sacramento State fans.
Looking Ahead for Both Teams
After this win, UCLA will prepare to play Presbyterian. The new lineup gives the team confidence for the next games. Sacramento State will play at Cal on Friday. They will need to adjust without Jeremiah Cherry if they want to win future games.
This win improves UCLA’s record to 4–1. It shows that the team has depth, smart coaching, and strong teamwork. LA sports fans can be excited about UCLA Bruins this season.
Disclaimer
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