UCLA Basketball: 10 Reasons to #PackPauley This Season

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December 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Derrick Walton Jr. (10) moves to the basket against the defense of UCLA Bruins guard Aaron Holiday (3) and forward Ike Anigbogu (13) during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Improving Defense by the Men

The UCLA Men’s Basketball team are not known for their defense, but every now and then they have some good stops and it is seems to be spreading to the entire team.

One of the biggest knocks against UCLA last season was their lack of defense. The Bruins were 10th in the Pac-12 in points allowed last season with 76.7 ppg. Though they are allowing 74.5 ppg this season, it is a different story this year.

UCLA is scoring a lot and doing it with more possessions per game, which means opponents are scoring less with more opportunities. Defense plays a big part in that.

This season, UCLA is 4th in the Pac-12 in both blocks per game (6.2) and steals (6.5). Though it is small progress, it is progress.