UCLA’s dismal performance in comeback win over Cal Poly raises plenty of questions

The scattered boos that serenaded the home team inside Pauley Pavilion going into halftime were well earned.

UCLA was trailing by two points after putting in a low effort against a mid-major team with a losing record from the Big West Conference.

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The Cal Poly logo on the front of the opponents’ jerseys did not elicit the same sort of spirited effort the Bruins had given against more brand-name foes, continuing a troubling trend going back to the season opener.

Skyy Clark eventually bailed out UCLA with another big offensive showing, leading the Bruins to a relief of a 108-87 victory Friday night, but plenty of worries linger.

Read more: A resurgent Donovan Dent is the star of UCLA’s victory over Arizona State

Why does UCLA keep playing to the level of its opponent? How do the Bruins explain giving up 45 points in the first half? And what’s going on with Xavier Booker?

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Apparently unhappy with what he saw from his center in three unproductive first-half minutes, UCLA coach Mick Cronin started Jamar Brown in place of Booker to start the second half as part of a three-guard lineup. Cronin said earlier in the week that Booker sprained his ankle in practice, an injury the big man appeared to exacerbate against Arizona State on Wednesday. Booker didn’t play in the second half against the Mustangs.

Removing Booker from the lineup entailed shifting forward Tyler Bilodeau back to center, a position he’s played with increasing frequency over the last week. The Bruins (9-3) proceeded to go on a 15-0 run early in the second half to transform a two-point deficit into a 60-47 lead, removing any doubt about the outcome.

This was another case of UCLA simply outgunning an opponent, the Bruins shooting 57.4% to Cal Poly’s 51% during a game in which defense was played only in spurts.

Clark continued his recent scoring spree, finishing with a season-high 30 points on 10-for-19 shooting while making six of 12 three-pointers and earning a loud ovation upon his…

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Publish date : 2025-12-20 05:09:00

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