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While everyone was enjoying UCLA football's win over the Beavers, UCLA's basketball team was apparently enjoying a similar dominant win over San Diego State. This was the "secret scrimmage" that the NCAA now allows teams to hold but there are no fans or reporters allowed to attend the game. Although details are a bit sketchy but from what we understand, it was a good day for UCLA other revenue sport.
Like UCLA's football team, UCLA's basketball team won while overcome injuries:
UCLA had a closed-door scrimmage with San Diego State today. Bryce Alford and Tony Parker left with injuries, but neither is serious.
— Zach Helfand (@zhelfand) November 8, 2015
Tony hurt his ribs a bit and Bryce cut his tongue. Both were kept out to err on the side of caution. Despite this UCLA was led, for the second game in a row, by Aaron Holiday:
And after injuries limited the playing time of Bryce Alford and Tony Parker, Bruins freshman guard Aaron Holliday torched what last season was statistically the nation's third-best defense.
"Holiday was sensational," [San Diego State Coach] Fisher said. "He was by far the best player on the floor."
Holiday's performance is very impressive in that San Diego State for years has been known as a very good defensive team. Although it is VERY early, Holiday is fast becoming the best story of this young season. He was not originally slotted as a starter, but now he is not only looking like a starting point guard but he is becoming the team leader.
It is harder to say much about UCLA's defense because while San Diego has been a great defensive team recently, they have been a horrid offense one. At one point they supposedly missed 11 open three pointers.
Another tidbit of news on two fronts is on the injury front.
UCLA's Gyorgy Goloman (stress fracture) is on schedule to return in 2-4 weeks, Steve Alford told @CBSSports. Was starting prior to injury.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) November 6, 2015
This is very interesting also for the last part. This means that GG, not Bolden or Welsh, is the likely starter the first PAC 12 game at the four. (Assuming he recovers completely.)
Thus UCLA's likely Pac 12 starting lineup is:
- point/lead guard Aaron Holiday
- Combo Guard Bryce Alford
- Small Forward Isaac Hamilton
- Power Forward GG
- Center Tony Parker
Thank you Aaron Holiday for being a pleasant surprise so far.
Go Bruins!