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College Basketball Power 10: Duke Rises, North Carolina Falls

By Jeremy Karll

Dec 3, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) is introduced as one of the Duke Blue Devils starting five before the start of their game against the Maine Black Bears at Cameron Indoor Stadium. This was the first game Tatum has played in this season. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) is introduced as one of the Duke Blue Devils starting five before the start of their game against the Maine Black Bears at Cameron Indoor Stadium. This was the first game Tatum has played in this season. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

2. UCLA (10-0)

The only way UCLA will lose this year is if they beat themselves. In their lone game of the week against Michigan, the Wolverines played UCLA as well as anyone this year.

Michigan scored 50 points in the first half, shot above 60 percent from the field, made 12 threes and went on a 15-2 run to take a 48-41 lead with 1:28 left in the first half. Then, UCLA’s offense came back to life and scored nine quick points to tie the game at 50 heading into the half.

To no surprise, the Bruins’ offense only got stronger and Michigan’s threes stopped falling. The Bruins ended up winning 102-84 in a game that was closer than the score indicates.

Michigan’s first half offense is a perfect example of how teams need to play against UCLA. The Bruins will score no matter the tempo of the game, therefore a team’s only hope is matching them.

It’s easier said than done, however shooting lights out and making 12-of-13 free-throws is how you do it.

That being said, letting the Bruins shoot 67.2 percent from the field and 62.5 percent from three is an easy way to be beat. Five players scored at least 14 points for the Bruins and seven players topped five points.

It’s hard to contain everyone, but giving up open threes and layups in transition doesn’t help.

The one dark spot in UCLA’s monster win is they went just 9-of-18 from the line. In an 18 point blowout win, free-throws aren’t a huge issue. However, that could be a problem for the Bruins in close games and become their Achilles heel as a result.

UCLA only shoots 73.2 percent from the line this season — 79th in the nation.

UCLA looks unstoppable and has scored 90-plus points seven times this season. UC Santa Barbara and Ohio State will try to slow down, or pray that the Bruins’ offense goes cold, this week.