SEATTLE — UCLA played perhaps its sloppiest game in a
slop-filled season on Thursday night against Washington, committing
a season-high 29 turnovers and 24 fouls. But the team also showed
enough poise and intensity to overcome the plethora of mistakes,
recording a 77-67 win to open up Pac-10 play at Bank of America
Arena. "As Coach Wooden said, ‘You’d rather win than lose’," said
UCLA head coach Steve Lavin. The Bruins (3-5, 1-0) came into the
game looking as loose and relaxed as they have all season, using a
pre-game rap session to pump themselves up just before tip-off.
They then proceeded to keep that informal pick-up style of
basketball throughout the game, spreading the ball on offense and
playing a tight, in-your-face defense that was lacking during the
team’s first seven games. "I think our style of play is better
up-tempo," said senior forward Jason Kapono. "We struggle when we
get stagnant. We play better in a spread court." UCLA had four
players finish in double figures, led by junior center T.J.Cummings
with 16 points. Kapono had 15, including 3-5 from beyond the
3-point line. "It was a late Christmas present," said Kapono, who
has been struggling with his shooting lately. Sophomore forward
Andre Patterson recorded a double-double with 12 points and 12
rebounds, and sophomore forward Dijon Thompson added 14 points.
"I’ve been back for four games now, so I’m getting really
comfortable," said Patterson, who missed the team’s first three
games due to academic ineligibility. The story of the game was one
of runs: after UCLA pulled away on a run, Washington countered. The
Bruins used an early 13-1 run to propel themselves to a 34-17 lead
in the first half, but Washington responded with an 11-0 run just
before halftime to bring the Huskies to within eight points at the
break. Washington went on another 10-2 run to open the second half
and tie the score at 39, but UCLA pulled away with a 14-1 run later
in the half and led by as many as 15. Washington then put together
a 13-4 run to pull within six points with three minutes remaining,
but UCLA was able to hang on for the win. "We knew they were going
to make runs," said Thompson. "And we knew that we had to counter
them." UCLA was able to constantly stay one step ahead of
Washington because of its superior shooting. The Bruins went an
astounding 17-18 (94.4%) from the line, whereas Washington shot a
paltry 23-34 (67.6%). And from the field, the Huskies went 21-63
(33.3%), versus 28-57 (49.1%) for UCLA. Washington head coach
Lorenzo Romar credited the stifling Bruin defense for his team’s
poor shooting. "UCLA did a good job of getting to our shooters," he
said. "This was a team with long-armed guys, and it bothered us."
Perhaps the Bruin defense was sometimes too aggressive — UCLA was
in the double penalty in both halves, a rare feat even for the
Bruins. Guard Ray Young fouled out in just 16 minutes of playing
time, averaging about one foul every three minutes. "I was
aggressive. Now I have to relax," he said. "But three of those were
ghost fouls." Despite fouling out with over 11 minutes to play in
the game, Young was in good spirits after seeing his team get the
win. "This is the first time that we are in first place all year,"
he said. "After tonight, we are in a five way tie, guaranteed." The
rest of his teammates also expressed excitement over being 1-0 in
conference play. "We know we made mistakes tonight, but we got the
win," said guard Ryan Walcott. "And the only thing that counts is
the win." "Brand new team, brand new year," Thompson added.