UCLA still has things to clean up after Pepperdine game

UCLA moved to 2-0 on the season with a 74-63 when over Pepperdine on Friday night. UCLA played much better defense than their opening game against Eastern Washington. Only allowing Pepperdine to shoot 34.4% from the field. The paint and rebounding continued to be an issue, as the Bruins gave up 15 offensive rebounds. This is something they will need to clean up as the schedule gets harder.

The Bruins possessed a balanced attack on offense with four guys scoring in double digits. Led by Xavier Booker who had 15 points on the night. Booker displayed a good defensive game with five blocks on the night as well. It was a welcome sight to get Eric Dailey Jr. back as his length and athleticism helps on defense. He will be a key part of this team for this season.

UCLA did struggle at free throws. It seemed shaky that any trip to the line would end in anything other than one and one make and miss. This is an area that they will need to clean up, because you cannot leave points on the board in Big Ten play. Although it was a very underwhelming win as a 27.5-point favorite, the team did have a better outing than their opening night.

West Georgia is up next on the schedule. The Bruins really need to pick up their play. Because we are only a few weeks away from opponents becoming legit March Madness contenders. If they play the way they did first two games, it will be a long season. Now is the time to work out those kinks on offense and defense.

This is a big year; there is no room for error. Cronin has one deep run to the Final Four. Other than that it’s been Sweet 16 and round of 32. That is not going to cut it for an historic school like UCLA. It’s time for the team to start to gel and play like contenders. There is not much more time to pass.