UCLA appeared set for a blowout win over Northwestern, however then the Wildcats deployed a swarming press and roared again. The Bruins survived the late surge to eke out a 73-69 win, avoiding a catastrophic collapse.
The groups went back-and-forth all through the second half till the Bruins went on a 12-2 run. Again-to-back dunks by Tyler Bilodeau gave UCLA a 68-54 lead with 3:07 remaining. Determined, the Wildcats pressured the size of the court docket, trapping the Bruins and forcing a trio of pricey turnovers.
Level guard Dylan Andrews threw away a pair of passes, each of which changed into dunks from Northwestern’s Ty Berry. Then, with 26 seconds left, Bilodeau traveled and Northwestern capitalized on the following possession when Berry reduce backdoor for a layup that narrowed the rating to 68-67.
Berry scored 9 factors during the last 2:13 to offer the Wildcats an opportunity. Northwestern had a shot to tie it at 69, however ahead Nick Martinelli turned the ball over on a drive to the basket after which K.J. Windham dedicated a transparent path foul in opposition to Eric Dailey Jr. Dailey hit each foul photographs to offer UCLA a four-point benefit with eight seconds left, primarily sealing the sport.
Bilodeau, who leads UCLA with 14.1 factors per sport, scored 19 factors to steer UCLA on Monday. Dailey added 12 and Spanish middle Aday Mara had his second double-double of the season (11 factors, 10 rebounds). UCLA is 7-0 this season when Mara scores in double digits.
Berry led the Wildcats with 22 on Senior Evening, whereas Martinelli had 20. Northwestern (16-14 general, 7-12 Large Ten) sits simply half a sport up on Iowa and Southern California for fifteenth place within the Large Ten, which is the ultimate qualifying spot for the Large Ten Event.
UCLA has gained 10 of its final 13 video games and improved to 8-3 in video games determined by 5 factors or fewer. The Bruins (21-9, 12-7 Big Ten) sit half a sport again of Wisconsin, Maryland and Purdue for the ultimate double-bye within the Large Ten Event.
Northwestern noticed its three-game profitable streak come to an finish and finishes at No. 13 Maryland on Saturday.
UCLA wraps up the common season at dwelling in opposition to USC on Saturday.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
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