UCLA’s defense was too pliable in enabling the Illini to shoot 50.9% on the way to ending the Bruins’ seven-game winning streak. A big issue was the UCLA guards’ inability to stay in front of their man, leading to them repeatedly getting beat off the dribble.

Despite a late-game rally by UCLA (18-7, 9-5), the Illini were able to hold off the visitors 83-78, and end the Bruins' win streak at seven games. It was a tale of two halves –

This post was updated Feb. 12 at 1:32 a.m. It seemed as if nothing went the Bruins’ way Tuesday night, as a missed defensive rebound stifled a second-half comeback.