UCLA makes a stunning comeback to defeat Arizona after trailing by 13 points
- UCLA overcame a 13-point deficit in the second half to win the game.
- Tyler Bilodeau was instrumental, leading the Bruins with 17 points.
- This victory is UCLA's eighth consecutive win, strengthening their position in college basketball.
On Saturday, December 14, 2024, in downtown Phoenix, the UCLA Bruins faced the Arizona Wildcats in an intense college basketball game. UCLA, ranked No. 24, was down by 13 points in the second half but managed to pull off a thrilling comeback to win 57-54. Tyler Bilodeau emerged as a key player scoring 17 points, demonstrating a variety of effective mid-range and post moves that proved crucial as the game progressed. The matchup marked a significant moment, as it was the first time in 46 years that these longtime rivals met as members of different conferences. Arizona had an impressive start to the second half, launching a 21-6 run that saw them take a 49-36 lead with just over 10 minutes left. Jaden Bradley contributed to the Wildcats' momentum by making two driving layups in quick succession. However, UCLA's shooting struggles were evident as they managed only 2 of 11 shots from the field and 2 of 6 free throws in the early part of the second half. Despite these challenges, the Bruins remained focused and gradually recovered their composure, eventually tying the game at 52 with just over three minutes to go. The final moments of the game were tightly contested. UCLA's Dylan Andrews made a layup that leveled the score, and Bilodeau hit a pivotal jumper with 1:42 remaining, putting the Bruins ahead 55-52. In the tense closing seconds, Skyy Clark secured an offensive rebound, drew a foul, and made two critical free throws, sealing the victory. The Wildcats had a chance to draw even but KJ Lewis missed a three-pointer right before the buzzer sounded, concluding Arizona's attempt to salvage the game. This match not only highlighted UCLA's resilience but also exposed Arizona's struggles with scoring efficiency, particularly notable given that preseason All-America selection Caleb Love was experiencing a shooting slump. The result extended UCLA's winning streak to eight games, showcasing their defensive strength as they came into the game allowing just 55.1 points per game, the best in college basketball. In the aftermath of this intense rivalry game, UCLA is set to host Prairie View A&M, while Arizona will host Samford in their next outings.