The UCLA Bruins are in a slump, having dropped three straight games. Experts identify key areas for improvement, including shooting woes, defensive lapses, and a rise in turnovers.
The No. 22 UCLA Bruins (11-5) have hit a wall midway through the season, continuing to struggle with another disappointing loss that came at the hands of the Maryland Terrapins (12-4). The sense of urgency is at an all-time high as this Bruins needs to make corrections as fast as possible. This team needs to improve in multiple areas if they want to compete at the top of the Big Ten.
The most glaring issue that has plagued the Bruins all season but has reared its ugly head the most over the past three games has been their struggles to shoot the ball well. UCLA ranks 13th in the Big Ten in field goal percentage at 46.1%. 3-point shooting has been an even struggle of late as the Bruins have made just 12 for their last 66 from downtown in the past three games, good for a measly 18%. Their free throw percentage has also been very disappointing at 69.4%, the fourth worst in the conference. Besides spending more time in the gym, there are not too many other ways to improve shooting woes besides maximizing their amount of quality shots. UCLA will need to put extra emphasis on ball rotation, floor spacing, and finding the most ideal shots to give them the best chance at success. For a team that was beyond sensational on the defensive end all season long has allowed above their allowed average each of the past three games. The Bruins were allowing 58.6 points per game before their losing streak began and have now given up an average of 79.6 points per game over their last three contests, including a 94-point performance from the No. 24 Michigan Wolverines earlier this week. Turnovers were an early season issue that the Bruins worked to improve on before they went through this current three-game skid. In those last three games, UCLA has turned the ball over a total of 42 times, a major reason for their recent struggles. Ball security is a high priority for any team in basketball, but the Bruins must improve their passing and communication to limit the amounts of giveaways they have. Turnovers lead to less possessions and double the opportunities to score for the opponent, something must be done about that issue. The Bruins will have an opportunity to solve these problems on Monday night when they travel to play the Rutgers Scarlett Knights (8-8). There is no better opportunity for the Bruins to take advantage of another team on a three-game losing streak
UCLA BRUINS LOSING STREAK SHOOTING DEFENSE TURNOVERS
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
UCLA Bruins Insider Podcast: Recapping Bruins' Win Over ArizonaOur latest episode of the UCLA Bruins Insider Podcast recaps the Bruins' thrilling comeback victory over the Arizona Wildcats on Saturday. The Bruins have won eight straight games and are continuing to play as one of the best in the country.
Read more »
UCLA Bruins Insider Podcast: Bruins Latest News UpdatesOur latest episode of the UCLA Bruins Insider Podcast updates a few Bruin football players that will be moving in a couple different directions and gives final thoughts regarding the men's basketball matchup with North Carolina this Saturday.
Read more »
UCLA Bruins Insider Podcast: Complete Recap of Bruins Loss to North CarolinaOur latest episode of the UCLA Bruins Insider Podcast recaps the Bruins' brutal loss to the North Carolina Tar Heels on Saturday afternoon at Madison Square Garden. The Bruins saw their nine-game winning streak snapped as they gave up a late lead.
Read more »
Arizona Wildcats Have Golden Opportunity To Right Ship Against UCLA BruinsThe Arizona Wildcats would quiet a lot of doubters with a victory over the UCLA Bruins this weekend.
Read more »
Arizona Wildcats play the No. 24 UCLA BruinsThe Arizona Wildcats face the No. 24 UCLA Bruins at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The teams play Saturday for the first time this season. Arizona is 3-1 at home, and UCLA is 1-0 on the road.
Read more »
UCLA Bruins Insider Podcast: Big Ten Power Rankings and MoreOur latest episode of the UCLA Bruins Insider Podcast looks at one analyst's latest Big Ten power rankings with the Bruins at the top and recognizes a key relationship that led to the Bruins' latest football hire.
Read more »