UCLA Triumphs Over Maryland for Third Consecutive Victory
Nico Iamaleava played a crucial role in UCLA’s 20-17 victory over Maryland at the Rose Bowl. The win marked UCLA’s third consecutive triumph and improved their overall record to 3-4, with a Big Ten record of 3-1. Meanwhile, Maryland’s record fell to 4-3, struggling with a series of fourth-quarter losses.
UCLA’s Last-Minute Heroics
The final moments of the game were thrilling. Mateen Bhaghani successfully kicked a 23-yard field goal just as time expired, clinching the win for the Bruins. Prior to that, Anthony Frias II had an impressive 35-yard run, setting up the decisive play.
Key Moments in the Game
- Final Drive: Iamaleava returned from a knee injury to lead UCLA’s last-minute drive.
- Touchdown by Maryland: Jalil Farooq caught an eight-yard touchdown from Malik Washington, tying the game at 17-17 with 40 seconds left.
- UCLA’s Leading Touchdown: Mikey Matthews scored a 14-yard touchdown reception during a crucial drive that put UCLA ahead late in the fourth.
- Defensive Play: Scooter Jackson’s interception at a pivotal moment regained possession for UCLA.
Injury Scare for Iamaleava
During the fourth quarter, Iamaleava faced a serious injury when he clutched his right knee after being hit. Fortunately, he was cleared to return to the game, proving pivotal in the closing moments.
Statistics Recap
| Team | Score | Record |
|---|---|---|
| UCLA | 20 | 3-4 (3-1 Big Ten) |
| Maryland | 17 | 4-3 (1-3 Big Ten) |
Next Steps for Both Teams
With this victory, UCLA aims to continue their upward momentum as they prepare for future games in the season. Conversely, Maryland will need to recover and address their late-game execution issues in order to turn their season around.
