Chris Collins, Northwestern HC, praises UCLA star Jaime Jaquez Jr.: 'Just an outstanding player'

Chris Collins and Northwestern had trouble, like everyone else in the country, slowing down star UCLA forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. Saturday night.

Jaquez made life impossible for Northwestern defenders, hitting 11 of his 18 shots on the evening for a game-high 24 points with 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Following the game, Wildcats HC Chris Collins spoke to reporters singing praises for the Pac-12 Player of the Year.

“Jaime does a great job. He’s really good in the open floor. He’s strong and physical. He plays off his pivot foot and shot fake really well,” Collins said. “The main emphasis, we just stay down on his fakes. If anything, you got to live with some of those fade-away Js. He made a couple threes early, which we were going to be OK with giving up a little bit. He’s just an outstanding player. There’s a reason he’s an All-American Player of the Year in the Pac-12.”

UCLA has had injury problems, but the Bruins are looking as dangerous as ever in what has been a wild NCAA Tournament. The Bruins are on to the Sweet 16 after taking care of the Wildcats Saturday night and will face one of Gonzaga or TCU next week.

Who’s it gonna be? We’ll find out Sunday night.