UCLA as a conference matchup still sounds odd. What do the Bruins bring to their first trip to West Lafayette as conference foes?
The University of California, Los Angeles (20-8, 11-6 Big 10) – Kenpom #28
Basic Information
Location: Los Angeles, California
Type of School: Public Land-Grant Research University
Mascot: Joe Bruin
Venue: Welsh Ryan Arena
Head Coach – Mick Cronin
Seasons at UCLA: 12
UCLA Record: 135-61
Other Head Coaching Jobs: Cincinnati, Murray State
Overall Record: 500-232
Regular Season Conference Championships at UCLA: 1
Conference Tournament Championships at UCLA: 0
NCAA Appearances at UCLA: 3
Final 4 Appearances: 0
Kenpom Style of Play
() = National Ranking per Kenpom
Offense
Adj. Efficiency: 116.3 (51)
Avg. Poss. Length: 17.9 (219)
Defense
Adj. Efficiency: 94.6 (15)
Avg. Poss. Length: 18.1 (296)
Tempo
Adj. Tempo: 65.0 (312)
Kenpom 4 Factors
() = National Ranking per Kenpom
Offense
Effective FG %: 52.9 (85)
Turnover %: 15.8 (75)
Off. Reb. %: 32.1 (111)
FTA/FGA: 33.6 (167)
Defense
Effective FG %: 49.3 (106)
Turnover %: 23.4 (4)
Off. Reb. %: 29.6 (178)
FTA/FGA: 35.5 (241)
Extremely Relevant Miscellaneous Stats:
Def. Non-Steal Turnover %: 10.9 (2)
Def. Steal %: 12.5
This team creates turnovers even when they’re not steals. And they’re pretty good at stealing the ball.
Purdue has been prone to careless turnovers as of late. We’ll see if the Boilers can clean up their act and take better care of the ball. If they can take care of the ball and get enough shots up, their shooting at home could be enough to carry the day.
The KenPom has Purdue sitting at a 68% chance of victory. I think Purdue will find a way to win this game, but I wouldn’t be shocked if it went the other direction.