UCLA continues to work on its defense, despite being a team that is talented enough to score for anyone.
The second-ranked Bruins knew Mick Cronin was unhappy about their performance in the blowout win two days earlier. They responded with another win, this time defending better.
Cronin may not be satisfied completely, but it is close.
He said, “I’m never content.”
Jaime Jaquez Jr. had 20 points and Johnny Juzang had 17. The result was a 98-63 win in North Florida on Wednesday.
Tyger Campbell scored 13 points, making all four 3-pointers. He also had six assists, five rebounds, and no turnovers during 26 minutes of play for the Bruins (4-0). Jules Bernard scored 15 point.
Campbell spoke of his long-range shooting, saying that he had worked hard this summer. Coach has assured me that he trusts me and tells me to go. He trusts me with the shots I take.”
UCLA won its third blowout victory of the season after beating Cal State Bakersfield by 37 and Long Beach State 21 respectively.
Cronin stated, “They tried to force me to play half-court defense.” “Tonight was great practice.”
Carter Hendricksen was the North Florida (0-5)’s only player in double figures with 11 points.
In the first 10 minutes, the Ospreys kept it close. Despite not leading and falling behind by nine times, they were able to reach 27-24 with a basket by Jonathan Aybar.
The Bruins then took control.
UCLA closed the first half with a 28-9 run including 15 straight points to lead 55-33 at intermission. Jaylen Clark scored inside during an offensive spurt that featured five different players scoring. Juzang hit a 3-pointer, Kenneth Nwuba made a jumper and Juzang made another three-pointer.
Jaquez stated, “That speaks volumes about our team and shows how selfless we are as a team.” “We’re all going to share the ball and get the shots we’re going to get.”
Jaquez was taken off the bench right before the decisive runs began. Peyton Watson stole Jose Placer’s ball and hit Jaquez by a long pass that resulted in a fast-break double dunk. Jaquez then scored the Bruins’ last two baskets of halftime with a 3-pointer.
The Bruins ran off 11 points in a row — five by Bernard and four from Jaquez — to open the second half and build a 30-point lead. UCLA had a 33-point lead with 6 minutes left when Bernard’s driving layup was made.
Campbell stated that Campbell was simply preaching defense, defense and defense. “Our defense opened up some offensive opportunities.”
The Bruins controlled almost every category, with 54-24 boards control and a 24-6 advantage on offensive glass. Since grabbing 25 offensive boards against Southern California on January 19, 2008, they hadn’t had as many. UCLA controlled the paint 50-30, and had a 30-6 advantage over Southern California in second-chance points. Eight steals were also included.
Matthew Driscoll, Ospreys’ coach, stated that they “really understand who we are.” “They have connectivity on both ends of the floor — on offense and on defense. They are truly together.”
BIG PICTURE
North Florida: In nine days, the Ospreys lost five games and went 0-5 on their season opening trip. They lost by 15 points at Texas Tech, by 18 points at Texas A&M, by 14 points at Grand Canyon and by nine points at Arizona State before hitting LA. They have more challenges ahead. They visit No. 13 Kentucky on Nov. 26, and No. 24 Florida on Dec. 8. “We’re finally going home,” Driscoll said. “The good news? We have to play Kentucky next Wednesday.”
UCLA: Next week, the Bruins will face a Bellarmine team that just returned from a visit to No. They will be facing 1 Gonzaga, making it a simple scout. In their second big early season test, the Bruins will have a chance to take on the Zags on the next day.
LIFE OF RILEY
The Bruins were without forward Cody Riley for their third consecutive game. He had injured his left medial collateral ligament in a collision last week, which occurred during the season opener.
Cronin stated that there is a very, very small chance Riley will play next week.
Cronin stated that it’s a two week minimum injury and that he may not wish to hear that.
Myles Johnson, a Rutgers transfer, has taken Riley’s place. The 6-foot-10, 255-25-pounder had 13 rebounds and nine offensive boards.
“Coach always emphasizes how I’m always the biggest guy out there and today I made that known,” Johnson said.
UP NEXT
North Florida: Webber International hosts North Florida on Sunday in the first home match of the season.
UCLA: Bellarmine plays Monday at the Empire Classic in Las Vegas
Source: Fox News
