UCLA's Norman Powell takes block coast-to-coast for layup

UCLA’s Norman Powell takes block coast-to-coast for layup

Dec 20, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Norman Powell (4) attempts to shoot the ball against Kentucky Wildcats forward Willie Cauley-Stein (15) during the second half at United Center. Kentucky defeats UCLA 83-42. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

UCLA player turns a block into points in NCAA Tournament game

There’s a vine you should watch from today’s NCAA Tournament game between SMU and UCLA.

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No, it’s not the controversial goaltend, but it’s something just as incredible. Despite what Twitter would have you believe, other things did happen in this game, and one of them was this block by UCLA’s Norman Powell, which he took straight to the other basket for an easy layup; no small feat.

Here is the video:

A blocked shot is one thing, but he turns that ball from points for SMU into points for UCLA without so much as involving another player. That’s impressive stuff.

This isn’t Powell’s first memorable Vine from an NCAA tournament; last year he did this.

UCLA went on to win the game, 60-59, on a controversial goaltending call against SMU that gave the Bruins the lead with just a few seconds left. The call will probably the most, if not the only, remembered thing from this game–ot’s one of those Dez-Bryant-vs-the-Packers calls that single-handedly alters the result of a game.

But in a close game like this one was, every play matters. It’s worth remembering that if a play like this Powell block doesn’t happen, UCLA doesn’t go up after that goaltending call. So criticize the call all you want, but don’t forget that UCLA played a great game all the way through.

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