Johnny Juzang Powers UCLA in Upset Win Over Michigan, Advances To Final Four

The UCLA Bruins are continuing their unprecedented success as they have eliminated the first-seeded Michigan Wolverines. The Bruins became the second team to advance from the first four to the final four since VCU did it in 2011.

The 11th seeded Bruins came into their Tuesday game as the underdogs against the top-seeded Wolverines. In the opening minutes of the game, the Wolverines built a 13-6 lead while the Bruins struggled offensively. Bruins’ guard Johnny Juzang became the catalyst for UCLA’s offense for the rest of the game. The guard finished the game with 28 points.

Juzang carried the offense for the team for the rest of the game. The shooting guard was not letting his team lose and kept them in the game. In the first half, Juzang scored 18 points to help the Bruins take a 27-23 lead at the end of the first half.

The second half remained the same story for the Bruins, who continued to lead the rest of the game. Juzang continued to score for his team, but the Wolverines kept the game close. The final minute of the game became intense as Michigan had a chance to win the game. Bruins’ Jaime Jaquez Jr. missed a three-pointer that would have sealed the game for UCLA. The Wolverines then had possession and went to Franz Wagner but Wagner air-balled the go-ahead three for Michigan.

Juzang was intentionally fouled in the following possession. The Bruins’ guard missed the second free throw, and that gave the Wolverines another chance to win the game. This time Michigan turned to Mike Smith for the game-winning three-pointer. Smith’s shot came out of the rim to deny them the lead. Wagner attempted another three-pointer but it failed to go in as time expired.

 The final score was a 51-49 victory. UCLA will be heading into the final four, and they will face another tough opponent, the first-seeded, Gonzaga Bulldogs on Saturday.

Article by Allan Perez