Go Joe Bruin
Fansided

UCLA Basketball Make An Opening Statement, Beat Montana State 113-78

By Mike Regalado

facebooktwitterreddit

Nov 14, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Norman Powell (4) reacts after a dunk in the first half against the Montana State Bobcats at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

So forget everything you knew about UCLA basketball because they just uploaded a new program into your senses. In a hardwood assault, the Bruins ran through the Montana State Bobcats 113-78 in their season opener in a late night version of UCLA hoops. The first game of the season came as a surprise to many as the Bruins were thought to be a shell of what they were last season. Contrarily, they proved that they are a forced to be reckoned with as they not only took out the school from Bozeman, Montana with lights out shooting, but added a touch of defense as well.

The Bobcats had taken an early 8-6 lead that made Bruin fans place their head in their hands a little too early. After some jitters and some sloppiness rubbed off, the new look Bruins were off and running. The Bruins were steadily pulling away, but really showed there grit when they went on a 9-4 run with less than six minutes left in the first half. Shortly after that the Bruins hit Montana State with a storm as they were raining threes.

Mind you, that was just in the first half. UCLA lead at the break 60-32.

The second half was more of the same as the Bruins found some cohesion and never let go. Bryce Alford was firmly in control of the offense as he made every kind of pass there is to end with 12 assists. Bounce pass, alley-oop, behind the back… you name it, he did it. He was also pretty good with his shot as he ended night on 7 of 10 shooting (4 for 6 from behind the arc) to end with 18 points for his first double-double of the season.

In addition to that, five other Bruins scored in double figures as Norman Powell (25), Kevon Looney (20), Isaac Hamilton (15), Tony Parker (11) and Thomas Welsh (14) all showed what kind of game they can play as they got multiple opportunities to score.

More from UCLA Bruins Basketball

Looney was known to be a big-time scorer out of high school and proved it after shaking off some jitters in this game. With some thoughtful assertion, he really made a name for himself, especially in the second half. He went 4 for 7 from the field and added 11 out of 17 free throws. The fact that he went to the line so much shows his aggression. His 64.7% free throw shooting showed something else.

There is one big weakness the Bruins have to tighten up on and the sooner the better. That would be free throws. For the head scratching amount of times they went to the charity stripe (40), they only made 26 as they went 65% on FT. That will bite them later in the season against better teams. But for now let us bask in the awe of what this team is capable of… a lot.

Nov 14, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Kevon Looney (5) defends as center Thomas Welsh (40) blocks a shot by Montana State Bobcats forward Danny Robison (34) in the first half of the game at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

One of the bigger surprises was the off-the-bench energy that 7’0″ freshman center Thomas Welsh brought to the floor. He was quiet in the first half, but really brought his skills to the forefront in the second as he made 12 of 14 points after halftime. Additionally, he ended up with 4 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block. Keep an eye on this kid, America. He is about to go off.

Above all, it was great to see the energy that Norman Powell brings. Not only is he the leader of this team, but he is a warrior as well. He did not make himself scarce as he was wrecking machine. 25 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 1 block gives him our Player of the Game! Especially after he dunked over the Montana State defender and let out a howl in his direction. Powerful stuff.

The Bruins continue their journey Sunday when they play Coastal Carolina at 7 p.m. PT.