Michigan basketball blitzed the UCLA Bruins to go up 13-2 from the jump. They extended the lead to 18, twice by the time halftime rolled around. UCLA grabbed its short-lived lead with about 14 minutes remaining following an 18-4 run. It was another double-digit blown lead for the Wolverines. In a matter of time though they regained the edge and never looked back after that. A 16-3 spurt put it out of reach and the maize and blue won at the pavilion for only the second time this century.
So here are three of the takeaways from the clean sweep of the newcomers from L.A.
1. The "Vlad" Russian intimidated the Bruins
In a performance reminiscent of the late Bill Walton, Vlad Goldin had the night of his life as a Wolverine. 36 points is rarified air. That's the most points the Bruins have allowed to anyone this season. For Michigan basketball, it was the most points since 2006 by a single player. He was a complete mismatch for UCLA. Goldin and Danny Wolf look like the best one-two punch that the Big Ten has to offer.
Goldin made five more baskets from the floor then any other Bruin did. He even made his fourth three pointer of the year. He's averaging 20 per over his last nine games. He's made the negative Nancy's forget about his slow start to the season.
Michigan just won and dropped 94 points on UCLA who allows the least PPG (59.2) in the B1G without Roddy Gayle and on the road #GATA
— Uncle Rick (@BigUncRick44) January 8, 2025
Donaldson added 20 more, 18 of them coming from the 3-point line. He alone outshot UCLA by 50% from beyond the line. Nimari Burnett compiled 17 points while shooting 75% or better combined in the win.