Pressure has not let up for the Bruins after breaking what had previously been touted as a curse.
After knocking off then-No. 14 Gonzaga last Saturday – fracturing an eight-year skid against the Bulldogs – No. 15 UCLA men’s basketball (11-2, 2-0 Big Ten) will take on Nebraska (11-2, 1-1) on Saturday morning in Lincoln, Nebraska.
The Bruins’ triumph over the Bulldogs closed the chapter that caused UCLA fans much heartache. The teams’ previous four meetings resulted in a loss for UCLA, two of which also eliminated the Bruins from the NCAA Tournament.
UCLA’s matchup against Nebraska will mark its third Big Ten game of the season after defeating both Washington and then-No. 12 Oregon on Dec. 3 and Dec. 8, respectively.
“The energy will not be an issue in the building. “It’s better to be tough,” remarked coach Mick Cronin. “You better travel your defense, since teams with such large home crowds tend to play harder. And I believe it is foolish to expect to score 80 points in such types of situations.” The Cornhuskers’ average attendance at Pinnacle Bank Arena is 14,848, which ranks third in the Big Ten. Junior guard Skyy Clark, who played in the Big Ten at Illinois his freshman year and the Atlantic Coast Conference at Louisville the following year, believes the intensity of Big Ten basketball is unparalleled.
“They’re definitely tough places,” Clark stated. “I can’t think of a single Big Ten stadium where the fans don’t come out and show their support. And they’re talking trash. “It certainly gets loud and rowdy.” UCLA’s third chance at conference contention will include a reunion with a familiar face. Berke Büyüktuncel, a forward, played his freshman season at UCLA in 2023-2024 before moving to Nebraska. Büyüktuncel’s former roommate, senior guard Lazar Stefanovic, stated he has adjusted well to his new surroundings.
His former roommate, senior guard Lazar Stefanovic, said Büyüktuncel has adjusted well to his new environment.
“I was in contact a little bit with him. We’ve watched some of their games,” Stefanovic said. “I’m happy for him. He looks happy. He looks like he’s doing really well.”
Along with Büyüktuncel’s addition as a 6-foot-10 threat, Cronin said Nebraska presents a strong defensive challenge.
The Huskers average 14.2 turnovers per game and are ranked 15th nationally in defensive rebounds. Forward Juwan Gary averages not just double-digit points per game, but also 16 steals and seven blocks this season. Saturday’s game will usher in the new year for UCLA and kick off a schedule of 18 league games. “The Big Ten is tough. “It will be difficult to consistently win by double digits,” Clark added. “Having those games where we learn how to win when it’s crunch time and we really need to tighten up is only going to help us going on.”
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