UCLA and LMU played a back and forth first half on Friday night at the Sports Arena. The Bruins struggled to get into a rhythm on offense and ended the half down 34-33.
The Bruins went to the sophomore Wear twins often and early to start the game, a strategy that yielded mostly positive results. David scored the team’s first two baskets and both brothers showed their range from the left side of the floor as well, scoring a combined 20 out of 33 UCLA points in the first half.
Sophomore Joshua Smith sat for most of the half after picking up two quick fouls early on. Smith came in off the bench at the game’s first dead ball but was unable to stay on the floor for more than 6 minutes. Senior point guard Lazeric Jones was 0-7 in the first half, and it fell to the Wear twins to pick up the slack offensively.
UCLA struggled to defend on the perimeter and in transition, but junior forward Reeves Nelson defended the interior well, knocking away passes and creating turnovers. Nelson also struggled offensively in the first half, only scoring four points.