UCLA players celebrate during their record 69-point win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff.© Getty Images
UCLA did more than win against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Wednesday night. The Bruins turned the game into a record-breaking performance, winning 106-37 at Pauley Pavilion and recording the biggest victory margin in the history of their men’s basketball program. Their defence was just as important as the points they scored. Arkansas-Pine Bluff managed only nine points in the first half, matching a mark UCLA had not allowed an opponent to reach since the 1983-84 season. Head coach Mick Cronin was pleased with how his players followed the defensive plan, especially their willingness to help one another and stay committed when mistakes happened. The win also kept No. 9 UCLA unbeaten at 3-0.
Mick Cronin Explains What He Values Most About UCLA’s Defence
Cronin was not focused on the size of the gap between the two teams. He wanted to see improvement in areas that had troubled UCLA earlier in the season, particularly help defence and communication.
“I thought our help defense was much better tonight than it was in the North Florida game. They couldn’t get to the rim in the first half. That threw them off and shook them. We are still trying to understand our defensive schemes as far as terms that we use, to make sure the help guys are always there, and then our communication.”
The coach also spoke about the attitude inside the team and why he has enjoyed working with this group.
“So when one of our guys makes a mistake, they’re not conscientious objectors. Like, nobody’s defiant. They want to rotate. They want to do everything the right way. They want to execute. They’re totally bought in. Doesn’t mean we’re going to win, but it makes it fun.”
Cronin’s comments came after UCLA recorded 19 steals and forced Arkansas-Pine Bluff into 13 turnovers. The Bruins also had 29 assists, showing how well they shared the ball at the other end.
Trent Perry And Nikola Kusturica Lead UCLA’s Record Win
UCLA had control from the opening minutes, taking a 13-0 lead in the first 5:04. The Bruins went into halftime ahead 51-9 and added another 55 points after the break.
Freshman Nikola Kusturica led the team with 17 points, while Jaylen Petty scored 16 and Azavier Robinson added 15. Trent Perry finished with 11 points and a career-high 11 assists for his first career double-double.
The 69-point win broke UCLA’s previous program record of 65 points. The Bruins next face Long Beach State on November 16.
Topics mentioned in this article
