The UCLA Bruins (5-1) continue to dominate smaller opponents as they defeated Cal State Fullerton 80-47 at Pauley Pavilion on Friday night. A handful of Bruins reached double-digit point totals and continued to show improvements in their weaker aspects from a few games ago.
The Bruins dominated down low, scoring half of their points in the paint (40). The second-year center had an impressive game, scoring 10 points and grabbing five rebounds in just 13 minutes of play. It is the second time this season that the 7-3 center has scored 10 or more points.
The leader in most metrics was senior leader guard Kobe Johnson. The USC transfer gave the team the lead in points scored (12), assists (5), rebounds (6) and steals (6). He continues to show that he can positively impact the game in many more ways than just putting the ball in the hoop.
Freshman guard Trent Perry had a career-high 10 points in his first year of college basketball, making both three-point attempts. Perry added two rebounds and a pair of assists in his most complete performance of the season.
Two of the Bruins’ top transfers stayed the course as second-year guards Eric Dailey Jr. and junior forward Tyler Bilodeau both scored 11 points. Bilodeau finished with four rebounds, while Dailey had three and each man had a pair of assists in the win.
The Bruins still found a way to win easily without having their best shooting day. They were coming off a game where they shot over 50% from the field and over 60% from three-point range. They still shot 50% from the field, but were just 6-18 from beyond the arc.
One area of improvement showed its teeth in the victory. The Titans earned 13 offensive rebounds, which was fairly inexcusable considering the size advantage the Bruins had. Against nationally ranked teams close to the schedule, the Bruins can’t let that happen.
The Bruins have done a good job of reducing their turnover numbers, giving the ball away just seven times, their lowest total of the year. On the defensive side, they continue to wreak havoc with 21 forced turnovers with 27 fewer points than those turnovers. They are becoming a much better defensive team.
Three days of rest lie ahead for the Bruins as they will practice a few times before playing another home game against Southern Utah (5-1) next Tuesday. It will be the final warm-up game for the Bruins before opening Big Ten play at home against the Washington Huskies.
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