UCLA Defeats Pepperdine 74-63, fueled by Defensive Intensity
LOS ANGELES - UCLA overcame a challenging start to defeat Pepperdine 74-63 on Wednesday night, showcasing a considerably improved defensive effort following Monday’s game, according to players and coaches.The Bruins’ transition to a faster-paced style under their coach is taking shape, according to UCLA players.
“Its really like what Coach is saying. We’re just following his lead. He wanted to play faster, so that’s what he did. he constructed a team that can play fast, and, you know, we’re doing it,” said UCLA junior center Xavier Booker.
Booker’s individual performance was driven by a focused response to film review. “I was just kind of reflecting off of the game on Monday, watching the film, just seeing things that I could’ve did better. Obviously, defense is one of those things, and coach got on us about that, so I took it a little personal, and I mean, I just went out today being more active on defense today, kind of anticipating everything, and that played a big factor in today’s game.” He registered 12 deflections during the contest, a statistic he wasn’t actively pursuing. “I honestly wasn’t even thinking about it today. I was just going out, like I said just being active on defense…just being more active on defense today was my main focus.”
The team’s collective defensive commitment resonated with Booker. “I mean, like I said, just being more active. I mean there are a lot of opportunities…that I could’ve had blocked shots that I’d just be more active on.”
Booker also spoke to the challenges and rewards of joining the team.”I’ve enjoyed everything of it…It definitely hasn’t been easy. It’s been a grind,especially the whole summer just getting better…Being able to fight through things,you just fight adversity and just get better.”
Pepperdine head coach Ed Schilling acknowledged the difficulty of the matchup but emphasized his team’s competitiveness. “For us, obviously, this is a great challenge and dream for some of these guys to play here against UCLA. I’m very pleased that we played hard and that we were competitive. We knew that thay would bring it, especially after their last contest. This is a big step for us and this program.”
Schilling highlighted the performances of Javon Cooley and Aaron clark, both returning players who were previously sidelined by injuries. “I think Cooley and Aaron Clark did some great things out there. They’re two returners who were in the program last year, but they did not play as they were hurt.”
Looking ahead, Schilling believes his team can build on this performance. “If we execute like we did today, we can do that against the best.UCLA is a standard in terms of playing hard and competing. Mick dose a great job of getting his guys to play hard. To be in there and compete lets us know that if we can bring it, we can do it against the best.”
