Washington Huskies vs UCLA Bruins Mens Basketball: Player Stats and Match Analysis

The Washington Huskies and UCLA Bruins have a storied rivalry in mens college basketball, with numerous thrilling encounters in the NCAA Division I. This article dives deep into the player statistics and performance highlights from their most recent matchups, focusing on the 2024-25 season, to provide fans and analysts with a comprehensive overview. By examining key players, game statistics, and strategic insights, we aim to offer a definitive resource for understanding this competitive clash.

Historical Context of the Rivalry

The UCLA Bruins and Washington Huskies have faced off regularly as members of the Pac-12 Conference, with UCLA holding a historical edge. According to UCLA’s official athletics website, the Bruins have a 32-19 record against the Huskies since January 31, 1998, with a strong 20-3 home record and a 12-16 away record. Their matchups are often high-scoring, with UCLA averaging 78 points per game in this span. The rivalry has transitioned to the Big Ten Conference for the 2024-25 season, adding new stakes to their encounters.

Recent games, such as the January 24, 2025, matchup, have been closely contested, with UCLA edging out Washington 65-60. This article focuses on player performances from this game and other recent clashes, drawing on box scores, play-by-play data, and statistical analyses from sources like ESPN, CBS Sports, and Sofascore.

Key Matchup:UCLA 65, Washington 60

The most recent game between the Washington Huskies and UCLA Bruins, played on January 24, 2025, at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle, was a tightly fought battle. Below, we break down the player statistics and standout performances based on available data from UCLA’s official box score and Sofascore.

UCLA Bruins Player Stats

The Bruins relied on a balanced attack, with several players contributing significantly:

• Lazar Stefanović (Guard): Stefanović was a key contributor, scoring 12 points, including a crucial layup and a jump shot assisted by Dylan Andrews. He also added 6 rebounds and 2 assists, showcasing his versatility. His defensive presence was notable, with a steal that disrupted Washington’s momentum.
• Dylan Andrews (Guard): Andrews led the team with 15 points, hitting multiple mid-range jumpers and going 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. He dished out 5 assists, including key passes to Stefanović and Adem Bona, while grabbing 3 rebounds. His composure under pressure was critical in the final minutes.
• Adem Bona (Center): Bona was a force in the paint, scoring 10 points on efficient 5-for-7 shooting, including two dunks. He pulled down 8 rebounds and blocked 2 shots, anchoring UCLA’s defense. However, he struggled at the free-throw line, missing 3 of 4 attempts.
• Sebastian Mack (Guard): Mack added 8 points, hitting a 3-pointer and a mid-range jumper. He also contributed 3 rebounds and 2 assists but missed a couple of 3-point attempts, finishing 1-for-3 from beyond the arc.
• Berke Buyuktuncel (Forward): Coming off the bench, Buyuktuncel scored 6 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. His defensive rebounding helped UCLA maintain possession during critical stretches.

UCLA shot 44% from the field (24-for-55) and 33% from three (5-for-15), while dominating the boards with 35 rebounds to Washington’s 28. Their 16 assists on 24 made field goals highlighted their team-oriented play.

Washington Huskies Player Stats

The Huskies put up a strong fight, led by their star players:

• Keion Brooks Jr. (Forward): Brooks was Washington’s leading scorer with 18 points, including a 3-pointer and multiple mid-range jumpers. He went 6-for-8 from the free-throw line and added 7 rebounds. His scoring kept Washington in the game, but he missed a crucial free throw late.
• Sahvir Wheeler (Guard): Wheeler was a playmaking dynamo, recording 12 points and 8 assists. He assisted on dunks by Braxton Meah and 3-pointers by Moses Wood. However, he struggled with efficiency, shooting 5-for-12 and missing a 3-point attempt.
• Moses Wood (Forward): Wood contributed 10 points, including two 3-pointers, and grabbed 5 rebounds. His long-range shooting stretched UCLA’s defense, but he couldn’t connect on a late attempt to tie the game.
• Braxton Meah (Center): Meah was dominant in the paint, scoring 8 points on 4-for-5 shooting, including two dunks. He also blocked 2 shots and grabbed 6 rebounds, challenging UCLA’s interior defense.
• Koren Johnson (Guard): Johnson added 6 points off the bench, including a 3-pointer, and provided 2 assists. His steal led to a fast-break opportunity, but he missed a 3-point attempt in the closing moments.

Washington shot 42% from the field (22-for-52) and 30% from three (6-for-20). They struggled at the free-throw line, converting only 10 of 15 attempts, which proved costly in the narrow defeat.

Game Flow and Turning Points

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with UCLA leading 36-32 at halftime. Washington mounted a comeback in the second half, tying the game at 58 with three minutes remaining, thanks to a 3-pointer by Moses Wood. However, Dylan Andrews’ clutch jumper and two free throws by Lazar Stefanović sealed the 65-60 victory for UCLA. The Bruins’ ability to secure defensive rebounds and convert free throws in the final minute was decisive.

Comparative Analysis: February 29 Matchup

To provide deeper context, let’s examine player stats from the February 29, 2024, game, where UCLA defeated Washington 94-77 at Alaska Airlines Arena. This high-scoring affair showcased different aspects of both teams’ playstyles.

UCLA Bruins Highlights

• Dylan Andrews: Scored 20 points, including three 3-pointers, and added 6 assists. His ability to penetrate and create shots was pivotal.
• Lazar Stefanović: Contributed 15 points and 7 rebounds, hitting two 3-pointers. His all-around play was a precursor to his 2025 performance.
• Adem Bona: Recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, plus 3 blocks. His dominance in the paint overwhelmed Washington’s frontcourt.
• Sebastian Mack: Added 14 points off the bench, showcasing his scoring spark.

UCLA shot an impressive 50% from the field and 40% from three, with 22 assists on 35 made field goals. Their fast-paced offense exploited Washington’s defensive lapses.

Washington Huskies Highlights

• Keion Brooks Jr.: Led with 22 points and 8 rebounds, but his 8-for-18 shooting reflected UCLA’s defensive pressure.
• Sahvir Wheeler: Scored 15 points and dished out 7 assists, but committed 4 turnovers under UCLA’s press.
• Moses Wood: Hit three 3-pointers for 12 points, but struggled defensively against UCLA’s guards.
• Braxton Meah: Scored 10 points and grabbed 5 rebounds, but was outmatched by Bona.

Washington shot 45% from the field but turned the ball over 15 times, which UCLA converted into 18 points. The Huskies’ inability to contain UCLA’s transition game was a key factor in the loss.

Statistical Trends and Insights

Analyzing the 2024-25 season stats and these matchups reveals trends that define the rivalry

• UCLA’s Guard Play: Dylan Andrews and Lazar Stefanović have been consistent scoring threats, averaging 14.5 and 13.2 points per game, respectively, in the 2024-25 season. Their ability to shoot from mid-range and facilitate (Andrews: 4.8 assists per game) gives UCLA an edge.
• Washington’s Frontcourt Strength: Keion Brooks Jr. (16.8 points, 6.5 rebounds per game) and Braxton Meah (8.2 rebounds, 1.5 blocks per game) provide physicality, but their free-throw shooting (68% team average) remains a weakness.
• Rebounding Battle: UCLA has outrebounded Washington in both games, averaging 36.5 rebounds compared to Washington’s 31.5. Adem Bona’s presence is a major factor.
• Three-Point Shooting: Both teams rely on the 3-pointer, but UCLA’s 35% team average edges out Washington’s 32%. Critical misses from beyond the arc have hurt Washington in clutch moments.

Strategic Takeaways

For UCLA, maintaining their balanced attack and leveraging Bonas interior dominance is key. Coach Mick Cronin’s emphasis on defensive rebounding and transition defense has neutralized Washington’s fast-break opportunities. However, improving free-throw shooting (70% team average) could prevent close games from slipping away.

Washington needs to address their free-throw woes and reduce turnovers (13.5 per game). Coach Danny Sprinkle’s motion offense generates open looks, but the Huskies must convert under pressure. Defensively, containing UCLA’s guards without fouling will be crucial in future matchups.

Player Spotlights: Rising Stars

• Dylan Andrews (UCLA): A junior guard, Andrews has emerged as UCLA’s floor general. His 2024-25 season stats (14.5 points, 4.8 assists) and clutch performances make him a Big Ten Player of the Year candidate.
• Keion Brooks Jr. (Washington): The senior forward is Washington’s heart and soul. His scoring versatility (16.8 points) and rebounding make him a matchup nightmare, but he needs support in big moments.
• Adem Bona (UCLA): A projected NBA draft pick, Bona’s defensive impact (2.1 blocks per game) and rebounding anchor UCLA’s frontcourt. His development as a free-throw shooter will be critical.

Fan and Analyst Perspectives

Social media posts on X highlight the excitement around this rivalry. Fans praise UCLA’s grit and Washington’s resilience, with many noting Andrews’ clutch play and Brooks’ scoring as game-defining. Analysts on ESPN and CBS Sports predict this rivalry will intensify in the Big Ten, with both teams projected to contend for NCAA Tournament bids.

Conclusion

The Washington Huskies vs UCLA Bruins matchup is a showcase of elite talent and strategic basketball. The January 24, 2025, game, won by UCLA 65-60, underscored the importance of clutch shooting, rebounding, and defense. Players like Dylan Andrews, Lazar Stefanović, and Adem Bona for UCLA, and Keion Brooks Jr., Sahvir Wheeler, and Braxton Meah for Washington, define this rivalry’s intensity. As both teams navigate the Big Ten, their encounters will remain must-watch events.

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