The number 2 in the AP poll UCLA will host Number 4 in the AP poll Villanova on Friday at the Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles. (4) Villanova is coming off a dominating performance 91-51 against Mount St. Mary. Just like Villanova, (2) UCLA is coming off a great team win against CSU Bakersfield.
What’s at Stake?
This matchup will be an early test to see who will add their resume for March. Villanova and Jay Wright are trying to win their third national championship in five years. At the same time, UCLA is coming off their best season with Mike Cronin going to the Final Four last season and one shot away from the National Championship Game. This game could show if UCLA is a legit contender and if Collin Gillespie has fully healed from his torn MCL.
Must Watch Players
UCLA Johnny Juzang: Juzang was the star of the Bruins magical run to the Final Four last season with having clutch shots each tournament game. The UCLA forward in the season opener tied for team-high 19 points and will look to continue to stay hot against the Wildcats.
Villanova Justin Moore: Moore is coming off an excellent shooting performance of 27 points while going six for eight from the three-point line and having 0 turnovers. As well, Moore played the most minutes for the Wildcats. The Villanova guard could have a breakout year, which could be the game that America learns about Justin Moore.
Projected Starting Lineups
| Villanova Starting Lineup | UCLA Starting Lineup |
| Guard: Collin Gillespie | Guard: Tyger Campbell |
| Guard: Justin Moore | Guard: Jules Bernard |
| Forward: Eric Dixon | Forward: Jaime Jaquez Jr. |
| Forward: Brandon Slater | Forward: Johnny Juzang |
| Center: Jermaine Samuels | Center: Myles Johnson |
Crowds Are Back!
Student sections are back around the country. UCLA games against Chico State (preseason) and Cal State Bakersfield had under 6,000 fans for both games. But the student section was full. For the first time since 2018, UCLA will have a “White Out” against Villanova and will primarily be sold out.
Injury Report
UCLA: Cody Riley has a knee sprain injury. According to UCLA spokesperson, Riley will be re-evaluated next week. The forward injured his knee early in the season opener against Cal State Bakersfield on Tuesday.
UCLA: Mac Etienne hurt his right knee weeks ago. According to head coach Mike Cronin, he could keep the redshirt freshmen out for the entire season.
Villanova: None.
Game Prediction
This game has the potential to be the best game of November in college basketball. Both teams need a top-five win to prove they can play in April for the title. I believe the crowd noise being back and Johnny Juzang for UCLA will get them past Villanova in an exciting finish and close game.
(2) UCLA 82 (4) Villanova 78
We have an awesome Shop, so stop by to take a peek!
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook!
Subscribe to our YouTube channel