UCLA is better equipped this time around to handle a three-guard starting lineup

Feb 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Illinois guard Kylan Boswell (4) and UCLA guard Eric Freeny (8) fight for the ball as UCLA guard Trent Perry (0) (left) looks on during the second half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn ImagesUCLA struggled with their three guards set in the 2024 season. But with them moving back to a three-guard set late in 2025. Could they have more success this time around? The problem in 2024 was they had no spacing. The guards were not able to shoot 3-pointers and at many times the floor was congested. Leading to many nights where the offense became stagnant. Because teams knew to push them farther away from the paint.

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