Isaac Hamilton has scored in double figures in five of the last six games (photo by Scott Chandler)
Courtesy: UCLA Athletics
UCLA continues its four-game stretch away from home on Sunday, Dec. 28, with a non-conference meeting at Alabama (3:30 p.m. PT/5:30 p.m. CT). The Bruins’ game at Alabama’s Coleman Coliseum will be nationally televised on ESPNU.
The Bruins have won each of their last three meetings against the Crimson Tide, including a 75-67 win in Pauley Pavilion on Dec. 28, 2013. UCLA owns a 3-1 record in the all-time series. Sunday’s game at Alabama will mark the Bruins’ final non-conference game of the regular season. UCLA opens Pac-12 play at Colorado on Jan. 2 before playing at Utah on Jan. 4.
GAME INFORMATION
Venue: Coleman Coliseum (15,383)
Date: Sunday, Dec. 28
Game Time: 3:30 p.m. (PT)/5:30 p.m. (CT)
Television: ESPNU
TV Talent: Rich Hollenberg (play-by-play), Darrin Horn (analyst)
Radio: AM 570 (KLAC)
Radio Talent: Chris Roberts (play-by-play), Tracy Murray (analyst)
Venue: Coleman Coliseum (15,383)
Date: Sunday, Dec. 28
Game Time: 3:30 p.m. (PT)/5:30 p.m. (CT)
Television: ESPNU
TV Talent: Rich Hollenberg (play-by-play), Darrin Horn (analyst)
Radio: AM 570 (KLAC)
Radio Talent: Chris Roberts (play-by-play), Tracy Murray (analyst)
LISTEN LIVE
UCLA’s game at Alabama on Sunday, Dec. 28, will be broadcast live on the UCLA Sports Network from IMG College on AM 570 (KLAC), the flagship home of UCLA Athletics. The pregame show kicks off at 3 p.m. (PT), while the game is set to begin at 3:30 p.m. (PT). Chris Roberts and former UCLA basketball standout Tracy Murray will have the call, live from Alabama’s Coleman Coliseum. Fans can also listen to the audio broadcast by using the TuneIn radio app (click here).
UCLA’s game at Alabama on Sunday, Dec. 28, will be broadcast live on the UCLA Sports Network from IMG College on AM 570 (KLAC), the flagship home of UCLA Athletics. The pregame show kicks off at 3 p.m. (PT), while the game is set to begin at 3:30 p.m. (PT). Chris Roberts and former UCLA basketball standout Tracy Murray will have the call, live from Alabama’s Coleman Coliseum. Fans can also listen to the audio broadcast by using the TuneIn radio app (click here).
MOVING ALONG
The Bruins, who have compiled an 8-4 record this season, recently concluded an opening 11-game stretch over a 30-day span. In contrast, the Bruins following 30-day stretch (Dec. 14-Jan. 12) features just six games, only two of which will be played at home. UCLA has lost each of its last two games, both at the hands of top-10 ranked competitors. Then-No. 9 Gonzaga defeated UCLA in Pauley Pavilion, 87-74, on Saturday, Dec. 13. Most recently, the Bruins absorbed an 83-44 loss to No. 1 Kentucky at the United Center in Chicago on Saturday, Dec. 20.
The Bruins, who have compiled an 8-4 record this season, recently concluded an opening 11-game stretch over a 30-day span. In contrast, the Bruins following 30-day stretch (Dec. 14-Jan. 12) features just six games, only two of which will be played at home. UCLA has lost each of its last two games, both at the hands of top-10 ranked competitors. Then-No. 9 Gonzaga defeated UCLA in Pauley Pavilion, 87-74, on Saturday, Dec. 13. Most recently, the Bruins absorbed an 83-44 loss to No. 1 Kentucky at the United Center in Chicago on Saturday, Dec. 20.
LOONEY’S STRONG START
Freshman Kevon Looney ranked eighth, nationally, and first in the Pac-12 in rebounding (10.8 rpg) through Dec. 22. Looney, a 6-foot-9 forward who was a McDonald’s All-America selection last season, ranks sixth in the country and first in the Pac-12 with 4.6 offensive rebounds per game (through Dec. 22). He leads all freshmen in the nation with seven double-doubles, tied for the fourth-highest total in the country among all college players. Looney, who hails from Milwaukee, Wis., has averaged 13.5 points and 10.8 rebounds in 12 games.
Freshman Kevon Looney ranked eighth, nationally, and first in the Pac-12 in rebounding (10.8 rpg) through Dec. 22. Looney, a 6-foot-9 forward who was a McDonald’s All-America selection last season, ranks sixth in the country and first in the Pac-12 with 4.6 offensive rebounds per game (through Dec. 22). He leads all freshmen in the nation with seven double-doubles, tied for the fourth-highest total in the country among all college players. Looney, who hails from Milwaukee, Wis., has averaged 13.5 points and 10.8 rebounds in 12 games.
SENIOR LEADER
Norman Powell, the Bruins’ only senior in the regular rotation, has averaged 16.1 points and 4.5 rebounds in 12 games this season. The Bruins’ 6-foot-4 guard from San Diego currently ranks seventh in the Pac-12 in scoring (16.1 ppg) and fourth in steals (1.9 spg). He has shot 42.0 percent from three-point range (11th-best in the Pac-12), a 12.6 percent increase from last season (29.4 pct) and nine percentage points higher than his career average (33.0 pct). After averaging 5.8 ppg his first two years, Powell has logged 12.6 ppg in his final two seasons.
Norman Powell, the Bruins’ only senior in the regular rotation, has averaged 16.1 points and 4.5 rebounds in 12 games this season. The Bruins’ 6-foot-4 guard from San Diego currently ranks seventh in the Pac-12 in scoring (16.1 ppg) and fourth in steals (1.9 spg). He has shot 42.0 percent from three-point range (11th-best in the Pac-12), a 12.6 percent increase from last season (29.4 pct) and nine percentage points higher than his career average (33.0 pct). After averaging 5.8 ppg his first two years, Powell has logged 12.6 ppg in his final two seasons.
SCORE AND DISTRIBUTE
Bryce Alford has averaged team-highs with 17.6 points and 6.3 assists per game, while recording a 2.6 assist-turnover ratio through 12 games. Alford ranks fourth in the conference in scoring (17.6 ppg), tied for second in assists (6.3 apg), third in assist-turnover ratio and second in minutes per game (35.1). In fact, Alford is just one of three players in the country (through Dec. 22) to have averaged at least 17.0 points and 6.0 assists per game (along with Notre Dame senior Jerian Grant and Hofstra junior Juan’Ya Green).
Bryce Alford has averaged team-highs with 17.6 points and 6.3 assists per game, while recording a 2.6 assist-turnover ratio through 12 games. Alford ranks fourth in the conference in scoring (17.6 ppg), tied for second in assists (6.3 apg), third in assist-turnover ratio and second in minutes per game (35.1). In fact, Alford is just one of three players in the country (through Dec. 22) to have averaged at least 17.0 points and 6.0 assists per game (along with Notre Dame senior Jerian Grant and Hofstra junior Juan’Ya Green).
GETTING ADJUSTED
Isaac Hamilton, a 6-foot-4 sophomore guard from Los Angeles, has averaged 11.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game in all 12 contests. Hamilton, who did not play last season (NCAA rules) but did practice with the Bruins, has scored in double figures in five of the team’s last six games. In a pair of games versus then-No. 9 Gonzaga and No. 1 Kentucky, Hamilton averaged 16.0 points per game, making 12 of 30 shots from the field and 3 of 7 three-point attempts. He has registered at least one steal in 10 of the Bruins’ 12 contests.
Isaac Hamilton, a 6-foot-4 sophomore guard from Los Angeles, has averaged 11.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game in all 12 contests. Hamilton, who did not play last season (NCAA rules) but did practice with the Bruins, has scored in double figures in five of the team’s last six games. In a pair of games versus then-No. 9 Gonzaga and No. 1 Kentucky, Hamilton averaged 16.0 points per game, making 12 of 30 shots from the field and 3 of 7 three-point attempts. He has registered at least one steal in 10 of the Bruins’ 12 contests.
MILESTONE
Currently in his second season as UCLA’s head coach, Steve Alford directed the Bruins to a 28-9 record last season, tying the school record for most victories in a head coach’s first year in Westwood (Gene Bartow went 28-4 in 1975-76). Alford arrived at UCLA in March 2013 after six very successful seasons at New Mexico. Midway through his 24th year as a college basketball head coach, Alford (499-248 career record) stands just one win shy of career victory No. 500. He has recorded more NCAA wins than any collegiate head coach of age 50 or younger. There are currently 20 active NCAA Division I coaches who have won at least 500 NCAA games (minimum five years as a Division I head coach).
Currently in his second season as UCLA’s head coach, Steve Alford directed the Bruins to a 28-9 record last season, tying the school record for most victories in a head coach’s first year in Westwood (Gene Bartow went 28-4 in 1975-76). Alford arrived at UCLA in March 2013 after six very successful seasons at New Mexico. Midway through his 24th year as a college basketball head coach, Alford (499-248 career record) stands just one win shy of career victory No. 500. He has recorded more NCAA wins than any collegiate head coach of age 50 or younger. There are currently 20 active NCAA Division I coaches who have won at least 500 NCAA games (minimum five years as a Division I head coach).
ABOUT ALABAMA
Under the direction of sixth-year head coach Anthony Grant, Alabama enters this Sunday’s meeting versus UCLA with an 8-3 record. The Crimson Tide most recently defeated Appalachian State, 60-59, in Coleman Coliseum on Sunday, Dec. 21. Senior guard Levi Randolph (16.5 ppg) enters the game as Alabama’s leading scorer, having shot 50.9 percent from the field and 40.7 percent from three-point range. Junior guard Ricky Tarrant (12.5 ppg) and senior guard Rodney Cooper (11.6) round out Alabama’s list of players scoring in double figures.
Under the direction of sixth-year head coach Anthony Grant, Alabama enters this Sunday’s meeting versus UCLA with an 8-3 record. The Crimson Tide most recently defeated Appalachian State, 60-59, in Coleman Coliseum on Sunday, Dec. 21. Senior guard Levi Randolph (16.5 ppg) enters the game as Alabama’s leading scorer, having shot 50.9 percent from the field and 40.7 percent from three-point range. Junior guard Ricky Tarrant (12.5 ppg) and senior guard Rodney Cooper (11.6) round out Alabama’s list of players scoring in double figures.
ONE YEAR AGO
The Bruins have recorded a 3-1 record against Alabama in the all-time series. Last season, UCLA secured a 75-67 victory over Alabama in Pauley Pavilion (Dec. 28, 2013). In a matchup that featured nine lead changes, UCLA closed the game using an 8-0 scoring run in the final 1:34 to snap a 67-67 tie and win the contest. Tony Parker made two free throws with 56 seconds left to give UCLA a 69-67 edge.
The Bruins have recorded a 3-1 record against Alabama in the all-time series. Last season, UCLA secured a 75-67 victory over Alabama in Pauley Pavilion (Dec. 28, 2013). In a matchup that featured nine lead changes, UCLA closed the game using an 8-0 scoring run in the final 1:34 to snap a 67-67 tie and win the contest. Tony Parker made two free throws with 56 seconds left to give UCLA a 69-67 edge.
EYES ON 1,000
Senior Norman Powell has scored 978 career points, needing just 22 more to reach the 1,000 career point plateau. Powell can become UCLA’s 51st player to ever accomplish that feat. Last season, then-sophomore Jordan Adams hit the 1,000-point mark on March 6, 2014, in a victory at Washington (becoming the 50th player to reach that mark). Michael Roll currently ranks 50th on UCLA’s all-time scoring list (1,021 points). Powell, a 6-foot-4 guard from San Diego, has scored his 978 points over the course of 117 career games (8.4 ppg).
Senior Norman Powell has scored 978 career points, needing just 22 more to reach the 1,000 career point plateau. Powell can become UCLA’s 51st player to ever accomplish that feat. Last season, then-sophomore Jordan Adams hit the 1,000-point mark on March 6, 2014, in a victory at Washington (becoming the 50th player to reach that mark). Michael Roll currently ranks 50th on UCLA’s all-time scoring list (1,021 points). Powell, a 6-foot-4 guard from San Diego, has scored his 978 points over the course of 117 career games (8.4 ppg).
PARKER’S PROGRESSION
Junior forward Tony Parker has made significant strides over the course of three seasons. After having played just 6.3 minutes per game as a freshman (2012-13, averaged 2.4 ppg, 1.2 rpg), Parker played 17.2 minutes per game last season and has logged 24.3 minutes per game in 12 starts this season. He registered 6.9 points and 4.4 rebounds per game in 2013-14. This season, Parker has recorded 10.1 points and 7.9 rebounds and one block per game. The 6-foot-9 forward from Atlanta, Ga., has shot 57.4 percent from the field in 82 career games.
Junior forward Tony Parker has made significant strides over the course of three seasons. After having played just 6.3 minutes per game as a freshman (2012-13, averaged 2.4 ppg, 1.2 rpg), Parker played 17.2 minutes per game last season and has logged 24.3 minutes per game in 12 starts this season. He registered 6.9 points and 4.4 rebounds per game in 2013-14. This season, Parker has recorded 10.1 points and 7.9 rebounds and one block per game. The 6-foot-9 forward from Atlanta, Ga., has shot 57.4 percent from the field in 82 career games.
FUTURE SCHEDULES
Since arriving at UCLA in March 2013, head coach Steve Alford has helped the Bruins add top-ranked opponents such as Duke, Gonzaga, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Ohio State and Kentucky to the non-conference schedule. Last season, UCLA faced Duke in a neutral site contest at Madison Square Garden before scheduling a pair of home-and-home series with Gonzaga (Dec. 2014 and Dec. 2015) and Kentucky (Dec. 2015 and Dec. 2016).
Since arriving at UCLA in March 2013, head coach Steve Alford has helped the Bruins add top-ranked opponents such as Duke, Gonzaga, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Ohio State and Kentucky to the non-conference schedule. Last season, UCLA faced Duke in a neutral site contest at Madison Square Garden before scheduling a pair of home-and-home series with Gonzaga (Dec. 2014 and Dec. 2015) and Kentucky (Dec. 2015 and Dec. 2016).
BACK TO MAUI
After having faced Oklahoma, North Carolina and UAB in the 2014 Battle 4 Atlantis (Nov. 2014), the Bruins will head to play in the 2015 EA Sports Maui Invitational next season (Nov. 23-25, 2015). That tournament will feature Indiana, Kansas, St. John’s, UNLV, Vanderbilt, Wake Forest and Chaminade University. The Bruins last played in the Maui Invitational in 2011 after winning that tournament in 2007.
After having faced Oklahoma, North Carolina and UAB in the 2014 Battle 4 Atlantis (Nov. 2014), the Bruins will head to play in the 2015 EA Sports Maui Invitational next season (Nov. 23-25, 2015). That tournament will feature Indiana, Kansas, St. John’s, UNLV, Vanderbilt, Wake Forest and Chaminade University. The Bruins last played in the Maui Invitational in 2011 after winning that tournament in 2007.
CBS SPORTS CLASSIC
UCLA’s game against Kentucky on Dec. 20, 2014, marked the Bruins’ first of three games over three seasons in the CBS Sports Classic. After playing in Chicago, the one-day doubleheader format moves to Brooklyn (Dec. 19, 2015) and to Las Vegas (Dec. 17, 2016). UCLA’s upcoming matchups will feature North Carolina in Brooklyn (Barclays Center, 2015) and Ohio State in Las Vegas (MGM Grand, 2016).
UCLA’s game against Kentucky on Dec. 20, 2014, marked the Bruins’ first of three games over three seasons in the CBS Sports Classic. After playing in Chicago, the one-day doubleheader format moves to Brooklyn (Dec. 19, 2015) and to Las Vegas (Dec. 17, 2016). UCLA’s upcoming matchups will feature North Carolina in Brooklyn (Barclays Center, 2015) and Ohio State in Las Vegas (MGM Grand, 2016).
MARK THE CALENDAR
The Bruins will finish their home-and-home series versus Gonzaga in Spokane, Wash., next season with a game at the McCarthey Athletic Center scheduled for Dec. 12, 2015. In addition, UCLA’s home-and-home series versus Kentucky will feature a game at Pauley Pavilion on Dec. 3, 2015 before the Bruins head to Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky., on Dec. 3, 2016.
The Bruins will finish their home-and-home series versus Gonzaga in Spokane, Wash., next season with a game at the McCarthey Athletic Center scheduled for Dec. 12, 2015. In addition, UCLA’s home-and-home series versus Kentucky will feature a game at Pauley Pavilion on Dec. 3, 2015 before the Bruins head to Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky., on Dec. 3, 2016.
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