UCLA reportedly lost its secret scrimmage against Santa Clara

UCLA reportedly lost a secret scrimmage to Santa Clara over the weekend, 64-53.

It’s worth noting that while it’s an embarrassing loss, it’s still just a scrimmage. UCLA also was without two of its expected starters in Adem Bona and Aday Mora. Bench player Berke Buyutuncel also didn’t play.

Santa Clara beat UCLA 64-53 in a scrimmage over the weekend, per source.

Carlos Marshall, Jr. had 16 for the Broncos.

Bona, Buyuktuncel and Mara did not play for the Bruins.

— Trilly Donovan (@trillydonovan) October 23, 2023

UCLA is entering a true transitional year under Mick Cronin. The Bruins will be dealing with the loss of their top five scorers from last season. Five of its top six rotation options either graduated or moved to the NBA. The only player returning with more than a year of experience is big man Kenneth Nwuba.

The good news is that the team has plenty of time to correct this before the season opener. UCLA faces St. Francis (PA) to open the 2023-2024 season on Nov. 6.

That game will tip off from the Pauley Pavilion at 8:30 p.m. PT live on Pac 12 Network.