TarHeelIllustrated.com - UCLA wins tune-up for league play

December 24, 2005

The Bruins bounced back from the near miss loss to Wagner College with a convincing win over Cal State Sacramento 86-56. The Bruins looked rested and had energy on both ends of the floor it also helped that UCLA shot a red hot 67.3 per cent from floor.

The Bruins jumped out of the box with a nine point run before Sacramento got on the scoreboard. UCLA went on another nine point run with less than two minutes off the clock the Bruins were pounding the Hornets 18-2.

The 12th ranked Bruins started the second half like they opened the game with a nine point run and for sense and purposes the game were over. The Bruins finished their non-conference schedule 10-1 with their only loss coming at the hands of a very talented Memphis team.

Arron Afflalo once again led the Bruins in scoring with 22 points hitting on 9-11 from the field and 2-3 from beyond the three point arc. Afflalo also contributed seven rebounds.

True freshman forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute once led the Bruins in rebounds with 11. He also chipped in 13 points.

Point guard Jordan Farmar led the Bruins in assists with nine and added 15 points.

Center Lorenzo Mata had another solid game accounting for seven rebounds, six points and leading the team with four blocked shots.

The only negative going into conference play is UCLA's penchant for turnovers. The Bruins had 21 turnovers. They must do a better job taking care of the basketball or their this problem will hurt UCLA down the line.

On a positive note the Bruins are regaining their health and will soon be at full strength just in time for conference play. Outside of the turnover problem the Bruins are playing solid basketball. They are very good defensively and the Bruins with energy and heart.

During non-conference play UCLA's talented freshmen all were able to get valuable playing time. This will help the Bruins during crunch time in conference play.

Freshman Alfred Aboya had a solid game scoring a career high 12 points. Another freshman Ryan Wright was a perfect 4-4 from the floor for 8 points.

Two other freshmen who contributed throughout the non-conference schedule were Michael Roll and point guard Darren Collison.

Roll had five points against Sac State and Collison had five assists.

The Bruins will take on Stanford this Thursday Evening at Pauley Pavilion and the march to March Madness will begin in earnest.

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