Off To A Perfect Holiday: Ben Ball Warriors Demolish Wyoming
by Nestor on Dec 23, 2008 9:54 PM PST
in Basketball
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PrintSo much for all the discussion about whether or not we were having fun watching our Ben Ball warriors during this pre conference season. If you didn't have fun watching what our Ben Ball warriors did to a 9-1 Wyoming team at Pauley, you will need to check your pulse as a UCLA basketball fan.
Yes, I know we all need to maintain perspective. Wyoming hasn't beaten anyone special. They certainly showed they are not much of a defensive team. However, in a night when Portland State upset everyone's West Coast darling aka Gonzaga (still somehow ranked #7 despite losing two early season games) and Butler upset #12 Xavier, our Ben Ball warriors continue to take care of business by demolishing a Wyoming Cowboys team (infront of Jerry Bus) by 51 points.
The final score was 113-62 in favor of the good guys. Here is the early box score for a night in which the UCLA basketball team set a record in scoring under the Caretaker of Westwood, along with a record of steals. MR was the lead story again staying BLUE HOT from the long range, setting a career high scoring record with 25 points (5 for 7 from the 3pt line, shooting 9 for 13 over all). DC was methodical with 16 pts and 5 assists. Plus there were those freshmen (dismissed by some local blowhards as "over-rated" early in the season). DG finished the night with 14 pts, 11 boards (6 from the offensive glass) playing like typical Ben Ball warrior:
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Chris Carlson (via ESPN)
DG wasn't the only frosh shining brightly. ML showed his silky smooth touch scoring 16 pts.
The only complaint from tonight was how the Bruins started on the defensive side. Wyoming came out a little hot making their first 7 shots and getting an early lead. However, that was it as Howland gathered the troops and unleashed that suffocating, on ball defense, which became even more lethal packed with MR's unstoppable shooting touch.
The best part from tonight was to get the sense of how this team is just starting to put it all together. You can sense how MR is not just getting comfortable from outside, but he is also running the baseline, and driving to the hoops. His performance is only opening things up for veterans like DC and AA2. Plus freshmen like MR and DG are just starting to settle down.
Ben Ball warriors have one more game this Sunday noon against Louisiana Tech to work out the kinks before they start the conference season. I don't about the rest of you, I am getting the sense the fun is only beginning. If these guys keep this up and keep developing like they have been through this conference season, Christmas joy in Bruins Nation just might stretch well into this spring.
So Merry X Mas & Happy Holidays everyone. Thread away.
GO BRUINS.
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I think Wyoming was a little lucky at the start
Everything they threw up went in. They even made the half court shot a few seconds after the end of the first half.
Anyone know if Jrue was OK?
He seemed to be off tonight. Was wondering if he might be sick or something.
Overall an excellent victory as Nestor says. Offense was really firing on all cylinders and the defense turned it up after the first few minutes when it seemed like Wyoming was hitting shots without even looking at the hoop. It seems like the freshman are starting to turn the corner. Malcolm and Drew are looking much better to me. And I’m liking Alfred’s consistency inside and on the free throw line and Nikola’s passing ability and improved defense and rebounding. I can’t say enough about Roll—the kid has a huge heart and I’m really happy for him. DC is still getting better every game.
On the other side, JK is starting to feel like the odd man out to me though it doesn’t seem like he is giving up at all. And I’m wondering how CBN cannot start MR if he keeps this up. I like JS but I think MR is a more valuable weapon if he can keep hitting open 3s.
Bruins Forever
NO FREE BURRITO!!
Probably because there was no dirt from the den today.
Electric in Pauley tonight
I’ve been to a several games this year and this was by far the most energy the team and the fans have displayed this year. I think the early deficit- when Wyoming hit 7 shots in a row really fired the team up. They take so much pride in their defense. Even though the cowboys hit a high percentage of shots, CBH said the 29 forced turnovers made up for it.
Michael Roll knows how to move without the ball and use screens to get open. Most of his shots are in the flow of the offense and he is open most of the time. Shipp will be back in the starting lineup. I think Roll needs to play about 20 to 25 minutes a game and have plays run for him. The more time and shots a player knows he is going to get, the more confidence he will have in the game.
I’ve noticed that Jrue Holiday needs to hit some early shots in the game to boost his confidence. Otherwise, he becomes passive and passes up open shots.
by UCLA Championships Made Here on Dec 23, 2008 11:08 PM PST reply actions
pace of the game
this should show everybody that the boys are ready for what ever pace you want to play. slow or fast, it’s all about the D.
by bruinbornandraised on Dec 23, 2008 11:31 PM PST reply actions
kudos
I am impressed. I think the reigns have been taken off the team a little. Our strengths are perimeter players and they are in attack mode right away lately on offense. Sure we might shoot ourselves into trouble sometimes, but we need to have this mindset with this team I believe. They are all gaining confidence and its great to see. I am still hopeful bobo gets into shape enough to cover those hedge outs because I think he is the best potential defensive and offensive presence on the interior for us.
Aboya has been impressive.. alot of improvement from him. He plays like a senior all of a sudden. And wow we heard Roll could do this, but it looks like he had an epiphany a few games ago. It’s great to see a kid believe in himself like that.
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