Gonzaga has familiar faces, but UCLA’s new ones could make the difference
LAS VEGAS — Gonzaga basketball coach Mark Few had a good way of summing up the Bulldogs’ third matchup with UCLA in as many seasons.
“A lot of the same characters,” said Few, alluding to the 2021 Final Four game and last year’s early-season matchup in Las Vegas. “So, it’s the third act within kind of a small timeframe.”
The third act pits the second-seeded Bruins (31-5) against the third-seeded Bulldogs (30-5) in an NCAA tournament West Region semifinal on Thursday at 6:45 p.m. at T-Mobile Arena.
It will mark UCLA’s third straight Sweet 16 appearance and sixth in the past 10 seasons. It will also be the second consecutive time they’ve met in this arena – Gonzaga defeated UCLA, 83-63, on Nov. 23, 2021.
“We’ve got a lot of new guys. It’s a completely new team,” UCLA’s Jaime Jaquez said. “So, I think (last year’s) game has little effect on what we’re doing here in this game coming up.”
UCLA’s Tyger Campbell, David Singleton, Jaylen Clark and Jaquez played in the previous two matchups. Drew Timme and Anton Watson are the wily veterans for Gonzaga. But it might be the new faces that make the difference Thursday night.
Freshman Amari Bailey is averaging 17 points over the past five games, second-best on the team.
“Just trying to stay sane and trust in my work, trust in what we’ve built together collectively as a group,” Bailey said of his inspired play as of late. “Not really getting beside myself, knowing that we’re going to have to come in and compete for 40 minutes.”
Adem Bona is showing toughness, playing through a shoulder injury. Abramo Canka is ready to play at a moment’s notice, and Will McClendon – a Las Vegas native – is a champion in his role, according to Cronin.
“I know Will was a big shot-maker at (Bishop) Gorman,” Cronin said. “I know he still has that in him. We work with him every day on it, just trying to keep his confidence up. He’s just a winner. And I believe in winners. Right now in his career he’s helping us win with intangibles and toughness and defense. But I know the day is coming, he’s going to help us win with shots, too.”
Other than Bailey, fellow freshman Dylan Andrews has been blossoming since taking on more responsibility. Andrews is averaging more minutes, points and shots over the last five games. He also helped the Bruins pull away in their narrow win over Northwestern last weekend with a late second-half 3-pointer and two free throws in the final minute.
“It might sound crazy, but I expect that from (him),” Campbell said of Andrews. “Not just me, but the team expects that from him. Ever since he’s got here he’s been a dog and he’s been willing to learn.”
Since Clark has been out hurt, Bailey’s efforts on defense have been apparent, but Andrews has been just as impactful off the bench.
“He’s young. He’s playing on a team with some great talent,” Cronin said. “And he’s embraced his role, which is the reason why (we) have a bunch of wins. It’s not the four letters. It’s not the coaching. The guys buying into what they need to be a 31-win team. And he’s a great example of it.”
Andrews is averaging 14 minutes, 4.5 points and is 8 for 21 from the field, making three 3-pointers in his last five games. Those numbers are well above his season averages for minutes and scoring.
“You could look at his numbers and say, ‘Well, he hasn’t had a great freshman year,’” Cronin added. “And I couldn’t disagree with you more. In what we’ve needed him to be this year, he’s done a great job.”