Ben Howland decided to put freshman center Joshua Smith back into the starting lineup against Cal Poly after bringing him off the bench for the Bruins’ losses to Kansas and Montana. Boy, did it pay off.
Smith led the Bruins with 19 points, a career high, and 11 rebounds to lead the Bruins past the Mustangs 72-61. Smith got involved on the defensive end as well with a block and a steal. UCLA’s size dominated Cal Poly with sophomores Reeves Nelson and Brendan Lane adding 13 and seven points, respectively. The Bruins also out-rebounded the Mustangs, 34-23.
The game looked in doubt at first. UCLA let the visitors from the Big West hang around in the first half, much like they did against Montana, but a couple of big runs in the second half ensured that the Bruins would emerge victorious. The Bruins led by 15 midway through the second half and used defensive energy from Lane and Smith to keep the Mustangs at bay. Cal Poly junior forward David Hanson led the Mustangs with 18 points and five rebounds.
The Bruins will play UC Davis at home on Monday before traveling to Anaheim to take on No. 18 Brigham Young in the annual Wooden Classic. The Cougars are undefeated on the year and improved to 10-0 today by dispatching preseason Pac-10 No. 2 Arizona, 87-65.