Northwestern’s Basketball Strategy: Three Key Tactics Against UCLA

As Northwestern prepares to face UCLA, they aim to build on their recent victory over USC. The matchup comes after UCLA’s narrow 69-67 win against No. 4 Purdue, marking a crucial moment for both teams. Despite being unranked, UCLA has shown its potential, having previously reached No. 12 in the rankings this season. Northwestern must implement effective strategies to match UCLA’s depth and athleticism.

Northwestern’s Basketball Strategy: Three Key Tactics Against UCLA

To secure a victory, Northwestern must focus on three fundamental tactics: improving three-point shooting, limiting UCLA’s key players, and controlling fouls.

1. Improve Three-Point Shooting

This season, three-point shooting has plagued Northwestern. In their latest game against USC, NU managed only three successful three-pointers and shot just 20% from beyond the arc, placing them among the lowest in the Big Ten with a season average of 31%.

Key players to watch for three-point execution include:

• Nick Martinelli: A significant threat, shooting 52.1% on 2.7 attempts per game.
• Jake West: Recently moved to the starting lineup, shooting 60% and contributing significantly.
• K.J. Windham: Shows promise, ranking fourth in made threes at 34.4% accuracy.

To keep pace with UCLA, Northwestern must capitalize on open looks and maintain floor spacing. The Bruins tend to congest the paint, increasing the urgency for effective perimeter shooting.

2. Limit the Tyler Bilodeau and Donovan Dent Connection

For UCLA, Tyler Bilodeau has emerged as a central figure, averaging 18.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. His recent performances include multiple games with four three-pointers, making him a player Northwestern cannot overlook. Donovan Dent complements Bilodeau’s skills well, demonstrating playmaking ability with averages of 12.9 points and 6.8 assists.

Northwestern should consider these defensive strategies:

• Assign the main defensive duties for Bilodeau to players like Kropp or Martinelli to counter his perimeter threat.
• Have West guard Dent to disrupt his playmaking and limit his offensive orchestration.

Maintaining awareness of pick-and-roll scenarios involving Dent and Bilodeau will be crucial. Northwestern often struggles with screens, which makes this matchup challenging.

3. Control Fouls and Manage Rebounding

So far this season, fouls have been detrimental to Northwestern’s play. Their recent game against USC saw them commit 25 fouls, resulting in extensive free throw attempts for the Trojans. UCLA averages nearly 19 fouls drawn per game, so defensive discipline will be paramount.

While rebounding is important, UCLA ranks low in this category, standing at 303rd nationally in defensive rebounds. Thus, Northwestern’s focus should shift to:

• Avoid reckless fouls that compromise game rhythm.
• Ensure effective defense without reaching or excessive contact.

By adhering to these strategies, Northwestern can significantly enhance their chances of success against UCLA.