West Virginia Mountaineers - NCAA Men's Basketball - Recap

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights faced a challenging encounter against the UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion, resulting in a 98-66 defeat. This game marked the Scarlet Knights' record at 0-1, while the Bruins improved to 1-0.

<img src="/imgproxy/CnXfrQcSLjZ3rqFAwvrvJQCpZErNSIdmwLU3cG3CGZA/rs:fit:800:800:false:false/aHR0cHM6Ly9zdG9yYWdlLmdvb2dsZWFwaXMuY29tL3dtdC1nYW1lcy1zZXJ2aWNlLzdjZmE0M2JhYjYxY2Y3Njk2NmU4ZjUxYWI1YjQyY2QzLmpwZw==?image_id=6dcc3769-1c5b-46cb-b0e3-7114c5d0394d" alt="Feb 3, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Lino Mark (2) is defended by UCLA Bruins guard Trent Perry (0) in the first half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images" title="Feb 3, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Lino Mark (2) is defended by UCLA Bruins guard Trent Perry (0) in the first half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images" /> First Half The first half saw an intense battle as both teams exchanged leads. The Scarlet Knights managed to keep pace with their opponents initially, with Kaden Powers leading the charge by scoring 18 points and grabbing four rebounds. However, despite their efforts, Rutgers trailed behind as UCLA's offensive prowess became evident. The Bruins capitalized on their opportunities and ended the half with a commanding lead of 52-40.

Second Half As play resumed in the second half, Rutgers struggled to regain momentum against a relentless UCLA offense. The Westwood Warriors extended their lead significantly through efficient shooting and strategic ball movement. Despite Dylan Grant 's attempts to rally his team with defensive plays and Bryce Dortch contributing six points off perfect shooting from inside the arc, it was not enough to close the gap.

<img src="/imgproxy/u2zikoKvGQh99dbJ4M7wUlJKFJ2dQdNJaIazxsSTeEs/rs:fit:800:800:false:false/aHR0cHM6Ly9zdG9yYWdlLmdvb2dsZWFwaXMuY29tL3dtdC1nYW1lcy1zZXJ2aWNlLzUyZGYyNzQ1OWIzYTcxN2YyZmMyZTZjODlmMzRiZGE3LmpwZWc=?image_id=3779a517-9241-4ab5-98d1-e49dcf94e6a6" alt="Feb 3, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Darren Buchanan Jr. (5) shoots over UCLA Bruins forward Xavier Booker (1) in the second half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images" title="Feb 3, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Darren Buchanan Jr. (5) shoots over UCLA Bruins forward Xavier Booker (1) in the second half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images" /> The Bruins showcased remarkable efficiency throughout this period by maintaining a field goal percentage of 56 percent and converting an impressive 89 percent of free throws. Their ability to control rebounds also played a crucial role in limiting second-chance opportunities for Rutgers.

Final Whistle By game's end, it was clear that UCLA had outperformed Rutgers across multiple facets of play—most notably through superior assists (25) compared to Rutgers' (13). As fans absorbed this result during post-game discussions about key moments from both sides—the phrase "Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs UCLA Bruins final score" echoed among them—attention turned towards upcoming fixtures on each team's schedule.

<img src="/imgproxy/lSnZPckTg1lXQi3j5AyH761Xaqh6zBFuU5cJRH8HJdo/rs:fit:800:800:false:false/aHR0cHM6Ly9zdG9yYWdlLmdvb2dsZWFwaXMuY29tL3dtdC1nYW1lcy1zZXJ2aWNlL2I3MmNkN2VkOTNlMGZlZjk0ZjUwMDM3MjQ2ZTAzMzZkLmpwZw==?image_id=c0931a89-7c3e-4083-83c8-d3faca73088e" alt="Feb 3, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Lino Mark (2) is defended by UCLA Bruins guard Donovan Dent (2)as he drives to the basket in the second half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images" title="Feb 3, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Lino Mark (2) is defended by UCLA Bruins guard Donovan Dent (2)as he drives to the basket in the second half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images" /> Looking ahead for fans eager for more action involving these teams: mark your calendars! On February 7th at Jersey Mike's Arena located in Piscataway NJ; catch all live coverage via BTN network when Nebraska Cornhuskers visit home turf where our beloved Scarlet Knight warriors will compete once again starting noon sharp!

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West Virginia Mountaineers - NCAA Men's Basketball - Recap

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