Despite a rash of early season injuries, UCLA has kicked off the
Ben Howland era in primarily winning fashion. The Bruins (6-3, 2-0
Pac-10) have covered up their lack of depth and offensive
inconsistency with a solid defense and a consistent effort ““
two areas which were lacking in the past under former coach Steve
Lavin. UCLA’s three losses have been by a total of seven
points, including a one-point home loss to UC Santa Barbara.
Here’s a look at their results over the winter holiday:
Dec. 13: UCLA 69, Loyola Marymount 66 (OT)
““Â Cedric Bozeman hit a three-pointer with 2.8 seconds
left in overtime to give UCLA the win. The Bruins had blown a
14-point lead in the last 2:39 of regulation but were led by
Bozeman’s 16 points, and Trevor Ariza’s 14 in his first
game back from a preseason injury.
Dec. 17: UCSB 61, UCLA 60 ““ UCSB got
their first win against UCLA in its team history, beating the
Bruins on two Casey Cook free throws with 18.4 seconds left. The
game marked T.J. Cummings’ first game after regaining his
eligibility because he passed all of his classes.
Dec. 20: UCLA 64, Michigan State 58 ““ On
the day the floor at Pauley Pavilion was named Nell and John Wooden
Court, the Bruins won a defensive battle in front of 70 former UCLA
basketball greats. The players wore replica jerseys that said
“Bruins” instead of “UCLA” ““ jerseys
they’ve worn ever since. Under coach John Wooden, the Bruins
won 10 NCAA Championships including seven in a row. The Bruins were
620-147 while Wooden was the coach at UCLA from 1948-1975.
Dec. 27: Michigan 70, UCLA 66 ““ After the
Wolverines jumped out to a large lead after halftime, the Bruins
rallied behind three of Dijon Thompson’s five three-pointers
to cut the lead to three, but could come no closer. Cedric
Bozeman’s attempt in the final minute was blocked sealing the
win for Michigan.
Jan. 4: UCLA 77, Oregon St. 66 ““ In the
opening Pac-10 game for both teams, the Bruins were led by
Ariza’s 24 points and Janou Rubin’s 13, both career
highs. UCLA struggled through the first half ending it with a
10-point deficit before a 32-12 Bruin run helped secure the
victory.
Jan. 6: UCLA 81, Oregon 74 ““ After
jumping out to a 22-point lead in the second half, UCLA survived a
ferocious Ducks rally that, at one point, cut the lead to six. A
balanced Bruin attack was led by Thompson and Rubin’s 13
points each, with Cummings and Bozeman both contributing 12. Key to
the win was the Bruins’ improvement at the free-throw line as
they converted 17 of 21, after going 3 for 11 against Oregon
St.