UCLA vs Rutgers: Big Shifts, Key Defense

0:00On March 12, the 6th seeded UCLA Bruins faced the 14th seeded Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Thursday in the first round of the 2026. TIA, Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament at Chicago's United Center. Back on February 3rd, UCLA dominated Rutgers by 32 points at Polypavilion, led by Junior Forward Xavier Booker's Career High 24 points. Since that matchup, UCLA has seen Big Shiss with sophomore Garth Trent Perry stepping up, Senior Garth Sky Clark back in action, Red Shirt Senior, Garth Donovan Dent Emerging, and Booker thriving off the bench. Rutgers has changes too, as Junior Garth Torek Francis earned a starting spot and exploded for 29 points on 5 of 7-3 pointers in. Their recent win over 11 seeded Minnesota. In their last meeting, UCLA held Francis to just 12 points in 25 minutes, so strong defense will be key to keeping the Bruins' tournament. Run alive and avoiding an early upset.