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UCLA Defeats Cal State Fullerton With Some Improvements On The Defensive End

By Mike Regalado

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That UCLA Bruins (6-2) returned home to Pauley Pavilion to claim a 73-45 victory over the Cal State Fullerton Titans (3-5) in a game that was destined to be a win… because if it wasn’t, things would’ve taken a turn for the worst very quickly in this young season. Though the Bruins did not blow out the Titans like they have their previous opponents they have played at Pauley this season, UCLA did seem to play a more defensive and disciplined game.

After getting a wake up call from the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament in the Bahamas last week, the Bruins knew that they had to work on a few things if they wanted to progress and eventually be a threat in the Pac-12 and on the national scene. In the win against Cal State Fullerton, the Bruins seemed to experiment with a few more rotations on offense and defense which, limited their own scoring, but also limited the Titan’s chances.

I thought we were really good defensively. -Steve Alford

On offense, it seemed to be more of a focus on controlling the up-tempo offense. There were better looks and better shot selection from a team that had trouble getting the ball in the twine on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. But realistically, we all know that the offense isn’t UCLA’s weakness. It is the defense that needed some attention.

December 3, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford watches game action against the Cal State Fullerton Titans during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Bruins did not saturate their defensive game with just zone defense. Head coach Steve Alford made sure that they implemented their man defense that emphasized limiting shot selection. In the Battle 4 Atlantis, against Oklahoma, North Carolina and UAB, the Bruins allowed 64.7 shots per game. Against Fullerton, UCLA only allowed 54 shots of which the Titans only made 13 for a shooting percentage of 24.1%. UCLA had a more in-your-face approach to the opposition in this game, but unlike their island getaway, UCLA limited their fouls.

Listening to the post-game coverage, UCLA play-by-play man Chris Roberts had talked to Coach Alford who like the improvements. “I thought we were really good defensively.” It is a step in the right direction, but as the old adage goes, “practice makes perfect.” UCLA will have to continue to prove themselves with this defense if they want to make waves going forward.

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Once again, UCLA had all five starters in double-digit scoring. Norman Powell (18), Bryce Alford (14), Isaac Hamilton (12), Tony Parker (12) and Kevon Looney (10) had the majority of points. The only problem with that is, collectively, the bench only had 7 points. It also did not help when the bench did not score until 5:52 remaining in the game. Though it seems Thomas Welsh is the definitive sixth man, Wanaah Bail, Gyorgy Goloman and Noah Allen need to step up and be the seventh, eighth and ninth man that be counted on.

The Bruins continue their home stand by welcoming three teams to Westwood next week. San Diego will be here on Sunday, Riverside comes in on Wednesday and the week is topped off with a visit from #9 Gonzaga on Saturday. There is definitely competition Bruin!