Foul trouble dooms UCLA during a close loss to No. 11 Gonzaga

This frustrating game needed no miracles to add to the frustration.

UCLA struggled to avoid fouls and contain Gonzaga’s unstoppable offense throughout their 69-65 loss to No. 11 Gonzaga at the fifth-place game at the Maui Invitational.

Though hopes were raised after a late three-pointer from Lazar Stefanovic and a steal by Ilane Fibleuil, UCLA’s inability to make key shots cost them the game.

Gonzaga’s fourth consecutive victory over UCLA was led by Anton Watson, who scored 32 points, ensuring UCLA never found their rhythm during the game.

The combined 51 fouls between the teams made for a ragged showing by the Bruins, an unexpected and challenging situation that the team couldn’t overcome.

Adem Bona’s early foul trouble and unfortunate play by the Bruins’ freshman guards left UCLA at a significant disadvantage, allowing Gonzaga to take control of the game.

The game felt like it could easily become a runaway in Gonzaga’s favor, with UCLA struggling to find a reliable source of offense throughout, making their eventual defeat inevitable.

UCLA’s spiraling frustration was further complicated by the absence of clear solutions, eventually resulting in Gonzaga’s triumph.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.