Mateen Bhaghani knew he was going to get a chance to make his mark on this game. That’s exactly what he did as he nailed three second-half field goals to lead the way for UCLA. The third field goal of the half for Bhaghani put the Bruins ahead 16-13 in the final minute of the game.
The defense took over from there, and the Bruins won their first game under new head coach DeShaun Foster. The field goals for Bhaghani came from 22, 37, and 32 yards in the win.
The 6’1 kicker from San Diego started his college career at California. After going 4 for 4 a season ago against the Bruins following the season, he enrolled with the Bruins.
He talked to the media after the game, but had very little to say, but got the point of his excitement across, per Ben Bolch of The Los Angeles Times.
“First game winner and it comes in college. Great feeling.”
https://twitter.com/latbbolch/status/1830098618084368395
Last season, Bhaghani played in 10 games for the Golden Bears. He was 4 out of 5 from field goals and went 21 of 21 from extra point kicks. Earlier in the game, Blake Glessner attempted a long field goal for the Bruins, and missed. Glessner made the lone extra point for UCLA.
Bhaghani and the Bruins will take the week off, before playing Indiana at home on September 14th.