Rutgers University
9-14,2-10Big Ten
UCLA
16-7,8-4Big Ten
Men's Basketball Downed at UCLA
Feb 03 | Men's Basketball
LOS ANGELES – Rutgers men's basketball fell on the road Monday night, dropping a 98–66 decision to UCLA at Pauley Pavilion.
Rutgers kept pace early, trading baskets through the opening minutes and briefly taking a 2–0 lead on a pull-up jumper from Kaden Powers. The Scarlet Knights shot efficiently in the first half, hitting 53.3 percent from the field and 50 percent from three, but UCLA's depth and perimeter shooting proved decisive. The Bruins closed the opening period on a strong run to take a 52–40 advantage into halftime.
Powers led Rutgers in the first half with 18 points (a career-high), connecting on seven of eight shots, including three three-pointers. Tariq Francis added timely shooting off the bench (12 points), while Darren Buchanan Jr. chipped in with points in the paint.
UCLA took control early in the second half, opening on a 7–0 run and extending the margin to double digits. The Bruins shot 54.8 percent from the floor after the break and knocked down six three-pointers in the period, building the lead to as many as 36.
Rutgers continued to battle inside, getting second-chance opportunities and bench production, but struggled to find consistency from the perimeter in the second half, shooting just 1-of-10 from beyond the arc.
Powers finished with a team-high 18 points for Rutgers, while Francis added 12 and Lino Mark scored 10. Buchanan Jr. contributed nine points and four rebounds. The Scarlet Knights were outrebounded 35–30 and forced into difficulty by UCLA's efficient ball movement, which produced 25 assists.
Rutgers moves to 9–14 overall and 2–10 in Big Ten play, continuing its West Coast swing later this week. Rutgers will return home to face off against Nebraska on Saturday at noon on Big Ten Network.
