UCLA Hits Century Mark To Snap Losing Streak
By Bruin Basketball Report
UCLA snapped a five-game losing streak with style, crushing New Mexico State, 100-68, at Pauley Pavilion.
The Bruins (3-6) woke up from their offensive doldrums shooting 61% from the field.
Sophomore Malcolm Lee scored a game-high 20 points on 7 of 8 shooting from the field. He played with confidence and intensity.
A matter of fact, all the Bruin players played with a bit of swagger tonight, and the team and coaching staff may owe guard Mustafa Abdul-Hamid for an off the court assist.
After UCLA was embarrassed at the Wooden Classic by Mississippi St last weekend, Abdul-Hamid suggested the entire team review film from past UCLA teams to get a sense of how those teams played with intensity and pride.
It may have worked, and who knows, it may have changed the season around for the Bruins.
One game does not make a season, but on this night, the UCLA Bruins played with the poise and confidence of past Ben Howland teams.
And of course, it started on the defensive end. The Bruins challenged every shot, poked into passing lanes, and dived for every loose ball. UCLA forced 20 turnovers and blocked 6 Aggies shots.
Five Bruins scored in double-figures.
Struggling Jerime Anderson played, well, like a typical UCLA point guard. He was sharp and cool under pressure and he delivered the right passes at the right time. Anderson finished with 13 points on 5 of 7 shooting and had 7 assists.
Michael Roll added 14 points and freshman Reeves Nelson added 16 big points and 8 rebounds off the bench.
Freshman Tyler Honeycutt continues to show he will be a special player in Westwood. Although just coming back from early season injuries, he's the glue on the team. Honeycutt is smooth and makes the offense just flow better with his smart play and hustle.
UCLA has a long way to go before anyone can say the season has turned around. But...tonight was a good start.
Note: Senior James Keefe injured his surgically repaired left shoulder in the first half. He did not return to the game.
BBR :: Article Link :: 3:17 PM ::
8 comments
8 Comments:
It's good to see an easy win for once. And, also to see 100 points. If I heard correctly this is only the second time with Howland that the Bruins have scored 100 points or more.
Hopefully, UCLA can keep up the offense and get Keefe back healthy. Here's to beating ND on Saturday!
Agree. A good win. Weird thing though. It seems there are more comments here after a bad loss than after a win. Its Bruin fans, I guess.
Yes a good win. The team as a whole played better. At least 3 times different players made both foul shots! The defensive mind set was much better--but New Mexico was not Miss. St. overall team speed was not great. But a win is a win and let's keep building on it. Keep looking at those past films especially the years we won the championship. Much can be gained about team play!
We won? I'm too concerned with our future right now to comment. We need 2 gurds and another big stud! Tell 2 players on the team to leave. Choose 2 Bobo/Stover/Anderson.
We won? I'm too concerned with our future right now to comment. We need 2 gurds and another big stud! Tell 2 players on the team to leave. Choose 2 Bobo/Stover/Anderson.
That is more like the team I have been hoping would take the court. Big test will be on the road (early morning East Coast game) this Saturday against ND. We haven't faired too well in the past few years with these games.
Maybe Abdul-Hamid should also be cast into a player/coach role as possibly his input helped put a fire under the team. Hope they keep the fire lit and show up ready to play this weekend!!!
keep hope alive!! it can only get better!
Back to reality in South Bend this Saturday. A 20 point loss wouldn't be a shocker. The Irish are a NCAA Tourney team. Let's hope they can sustain the defensive intensity and make it a close contest.
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