A History of Hardwood Encounters: UCLA vs. Northwestern Basketball
The basketball rivalry between UCLA and Northwestern is a study in contrasts, a series of David-versus-Goliath matchups spanning several decades. While Northwestern has been striving for national recognition, UCLA stands as a storied program with a history of dominance. This article explores the history of the basketball series between these two teams, highlighting key moments and the evolving landscape of both programs.
Early Encounters and Northwestern's Lone Victory
The series between UCLA and Northwestern dates back to the mid-20th century, with their first contest occurring in 1949. Northwestern managed a victory in this initial matchup, prevailing by a six-point margin. However, this triumph remains the Wildcats' only win against the Bruins to date. Subsequent games in 1962 and 1969 saw UCLA assert their dominance, winning by 13 and 14 points respectively. These early games set the stage for a series characterized by UCLA's strength and Northwestern's ambition to compete.
The 2013 Las Vegas Invitational: A Sign of Things to Come?
Decades passed before the two teams met again, this time at the 2013 Las Vegas Invitational. For Northwestern, under the leadership of coach Chris Collins, the tournament represented a significant opportunity. The invitation to such a competitive non-conference tournament, featuring teams like UCLA and Missouri, signaled a new era for the program. Although the Wildcats had to face a challenging field, the exposure was invaluable for a team seeking its first NCAA Tournament appearance.
UCLA entered the tournament as a nationally ranked team, boasting a 5-0 record and the No. 22 spot in the AP Polls. Led by offensive stars Kyle Anderson and Jordan Adams, the Bruins presented a formidable challenge for Northwestern. The game itself was a demonstration of UCLA's offensive firepower. The Bruins started strong, making their first five shots while Northwestern struggled to find their rhythm. Although the Wildcats managed to close the gap to six points at one point, UCLA's hot shooting, particularly from three-point range, proved too much to handle. At halftime, UCLA held a commanding 51-38 lead, having shot an impressive 76% from the field.
While Northwestern improved in the second half, matching UCLA's scoring output with 41 points, they had no answer for the Bruins' three-point barrage. UCLA ultimately secured a 95-79 victory, with Adams, Zach LaVine, and Bryce Alford each scoring 18 points, and Anderson adding 16. JerShon Cobb led the Wildcats with 22 points and earned a place on the all-tournament team, while Kale Abrahamson contributed 19.
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Despite the loss, the game held significance for Northwestern. While a win against a ranked team would have provided a significant boost for Collins and the program, the team's relatively strong shooting performance, achieved without their leading scorer Drew Crawford, offered a glimpse of potential. Although the Wildcats finished the season with a 14-19 record, the experience gained in the Las Vegas Invitational, particularly the matchup against UCLA, may have foreshadowed future progress.
Chris Collins' Era: A Turning Point for Northwestern
The arrival of Chris Collins marked a turning point for Northwestern basketball. The program experienced a revitalization, generating unprecedented publicity and excitement in Evanston. The Las Vegas Invitational served as a marquee event, showcasing the program's ambition and potential under its new coach.
A decade later, Collins remains at the helm, having guided Northwestern to two NCAA Tournament appearances and two victories. These achievements represent a significant step forward for a program historically on the fringes of national relevance.
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