NEW YORK “”mdash; Freshmen are often expected to play at a level
beyond their years. Sometimes they do just that. But there will
invariably be times when they play exactly like the freshmen they
are, and coaches like to call those times “learning
experiences.” UCLA freshman forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute
had that kind of game Wednesday in the Bruins’ 88-80 loss to
Memphis in the semifinals of the NIT Season Tip-Off. “It was
a big learning experience for me,” said Mbah a Moute, who had
four points, four turnovers, and allowed Memphis guard Shawne
Williams to absolutely have his way in the first half. “I
came out kind of shocked.” Mbah a Moute, who had never been
to New York prior to this trip, appeared tentative on both ends of
the floor against the Tigers, missing easy shots on the offensive
end and failing to contest several of Williams’ 3-pointers in
the first half. He allowed Williams to finish the half with 20
points on 5-for-5 shooting from behind the arc. “Luc was
hesitant tonight,” Bruin coach Ben Howland said after
Wednesday’s loss. “It was very, very evident that
he’s a true freshman. He’s got to bounce back and have
this be a learning experience.” Fortunately for the Bruins,
Mbah a Moute is a quick learner. The freshman from Cameroon had
nine points, eight rebounds and four steals in UCLA’s tense
57-56 victory over Drexel on Friday. Five of his eight rebounds
came on the offensive end, and he made a critical steal with
seconds left on the clock to set up the 3-point attempt on which
Arron Afflalo was fouled. “I was like, “˜I’ve got
to get the ball,’ and I just went for it, and I grabbed it
from the guy’s hands,” Mbah a Moute said. DOING
IT FOR THE SUPERFANS: After failing to see the court
Wednesday night against Memphis, sophomore forward Lorenzo Mata
played an important role in the Bruins’ victory over Drexel
on Friday. Mata provided UCLA with a much-needed spark off the
bench, finishing with eight points, eight rebounds and two steals
in 22 minutes. “Mata came in and gave us some great
minutes,” sophomore point guard Jordan Farmar said.
“Physical inside play, grabbing rebounds, finishing, making
some free throws. He really stepped up and did a good job.”
Mata said he had a couple of bad days of practice but knew his
opportunity to contribute would come sooner or later. “Coach
said he’s going to give us an opportunity to play, and
I’m just trying to seize it,” said Mata, who had played
in only two of the Bruins’ previous four games for a total of
21 minutes. “Lo’s pretty laid back, but he just loves
to play,” senior center Ryan Hollins said. “When
he’s not on the floor, it’s hurting him. He loves to be
out there. He just did a good job of staying patient and jumping on
his opportunity.”
DRIBBLERS: Afflalo was named to the NIT Season
Tip-Off All-Tournament Team. Duke senior Shelden Williams was the
tournament’s MVP … Drexel guard Dominick Mejia, who
finished with 25 points Wednesday against Duke, scored just two
points on 1-for-8 shooting against the Bruins … UCLA returned to
practice Sunday and will face Albany at home Tuesday.