Easy Bruin Victory Over Cal State Monterey

By Bruin Basketball Report

Box Score

The Bruins completed their two game exhibition schedule with an easy 104-41 victory over Cal State Monterey.

The game was over shortly after the tip-off as the Bruins dominated on both ends of the court against the badly out-manned Otters.

Jordan Farmar, who missed the first exhibition game against Carleton, returned to action and scored 17 points on 3 of 6 shooting from behind the three-point arc; while his back-up at the point, Darren Collison, continued his impressive debut during the exhibition season by scoring 16 points and handing out a game high 10 assists.

During periods of the game, Farmar and Collison were in the backcourt together - a pairing which Coach Ben Howland says he will use often during the regular season.

Howland feels both Farmar and Collison's quickness and shooting will create match-up problems for opponents, and he has confidence in Farmar, who has gained nearly 10 pounds since last year, to be able to handle bigger two-guards defensively.

Arron Afflalo played despite being weakened by a stomach flu which necessitated an early departure to the locker room prior to the end of the first half. Afflalo was given the choice by coaches of not playing in the second half, but he chose to play instead and contributed 16 points and 6 rebounds to the Bruin attack.

Cedric Bozeman and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute were effective again on the boards, as they were in the Carleton game, with each player grabbing 9 rebounds and leading the Bruins to a 53-35 rebounding advantage over the smaller Otters.

After the game, Coach Howland said he had hoped for a more competitive game to help the Bruins prepare for the upcoming regular season. Howland believes the upcoming game against New Mexico St. will give his young team their first real test.

The Bruins play the Aggies on November 15 in the first round of the NIT Preseason Invitation. New Mexico St. is coached by former UNLV and NBA star - Reggie Theus, and play in the WAC.

The Aggies finished last year at 6-24, ninth overall in their conference.

Post game notes: Howland had an injury update on key Bruins. Michael Fey has had two non-contact sessions, and Howland said he would join the team in regular practice drills next week and be ready for the start of the NIT Season Tip-Off tourney.

Freshman Alfred Aboya is making good progress on his knee rehabiliation and could be back with the team in two weeks.

While Josh Shipp is making solid progress as well and is still hopes to join the team at midseason.

(BruinBasketballReport.com)