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UCLA Basketball: Bruins Start Strong, Finish Weak in Exhibition Win

By Mike Regalado

Jan 23, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford walks on the side line against the Oregon Ducks at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford walks on the side line against the Oregon Ducks at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /
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The UCLA Basketball team shows a lot of promise in the first half of their exhibition against The Master’s University, but lacks intensity in the second half. Bruins get the win, 100-58.

The UCLA Basketball team unofficially started their 2016-17 season and it was everything Bruin fans thought it would be in their 100-58 win. For 20 minutes, at least.

The Bruins had a strong first half which was expected as UCLA is looking to push the tempo on offense. The second half was a different story as it looked like the quintessential Steve Alford-coached team with little urgency and little fight.

The first half the Bruins were pushing the ball, looking for the open man, getting open shots and overall dominating on offense. The second half the Bruins let up off the gas and allowed The Master’s University to get back in this game.

TMU show they could adjust. UCLA didn’t.

Related Story: Bruins Ranked 16th in the AP Preseason Poll

Still, the Bruins won and because of that there were a lot of things to take away.

The addition of Lonzo Ball is making everything sweeter. He was very active on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. If he wasn’t looking for the open or cutting man, he was seeking steals with aggression on defense.  He finished the night with a double-double, 14 points and 10 rebounds.

TJ Leaf showed why he was one of the top power forwards in high school last season as he was scoring every which way. He also finished the game with a double-double, 19 points and 12 rebounds. He made a lot of early contributions, but really made his mark in the second half as one of the few Bruins that could put the ball in the basket.

Bryce Alford out on the wing seems to be working. He finished with 22 points which was fueled by 4-for-7 shooting from beyond the arc. With Ball facilitating the offense, Alford just has to worry about scoring from the outside.

Thomas Welsh started strong with four quick points but disappeared halfway through the first half. He was able to work his way in the middle, but needs to be more aggressive if he wants to dominate the boards. He had 10 points and 7 rebounds.

Aaron Holiday looked very good off the bench. The Bruins don’t have to worry about a drop off at point guard when Holiday takes over for Ball. Not only was he determined on offense, but he had some the best defense on the floor.

Next: The 2016-17 UCLA Basketball Preview

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As unit, the Bruins flowed pretty well. The only concern here seems to be the defense. It lacked urgency in the second half. Yes, UCLA was a up 59-28 at halftime, but they need to not get complacent and need to practice finishing game strong.