Bruins Have No Bite in the Middle

UCLA needs a few angry men, or at least one who plays near the basket.

That’s what Coach Ben Howland wants -- and challenged post players to deliver -- after Boston College exploited UCLA’s main deficiency Sunday in a 74-64 victory in the John R. Wooden Classic at the Arrowhead Pond.

In a familiar and disturbing scene for Howland and his staff, the Bruins were again one-dimensional on offense, taking long jump shots while Boston College attacked the middle. The result was predictable.

UCLA lost in its first test against an NCAA tournament-caliber opponent after four victories. The big-guy problem is still a big issue for Howland, and it could ruin the Bruins’ season unless, well, someone suddenly gets ornery.

“We have to have someone in there who’s actually mad when he’s not getting the ball,” Howland said. “To be a post player, you have to be upset when you’re open and we’re not getting it to you. We don’t have that right now.”

The Bruins do have 7-foot junior Michael Fey and 7-foot junior Ryan Hollins, who in a game against Long Beach State combined for four rebounds.

On Sunday, Fey started at center and had five points and four rebounds in 17 minutes. He wasn’t assertive and missed an inside shot that couldn’t be missed by someone trying to inspire confidence.

“We’ve got to get Mike Fey to come along and be a presence,” Howland said. “He’s our best chance.”

And Hollins?

He didn’t start against the Eagles after having missed the team bus to practice Saturday. He had two points and one rebound in 26 minutes. The Eagles outrebounded the Bruins by eight and outscored them, 42-27, in the second half.

“He played hard for us,” Howland said of Hollins. “But at the end of the day in 26 minutes he has one rebound.”

Howland apparently has made his point to the other players, who acknowledged the Bruins need to expand their show.

“We didn’t go inside-out like we were supposed to, I think that was the biggest deal,” point guard Jordan Farmar said. “No excuses. We have to establish our inside presence and play inside-out. That will open up more opportunities for everybody.”

The situation hasn’t surprised Howland, who knew from the moment he arrived in Westwood that Fey and Hollins would require teaching and patience. And a lot of both.

Fey got stronger in the off-season, and Howland has applauded his effort. Fey tries hard, but the bottom line is his skills and personality might not be suited to what Howland needs right now. The athletic Hollins is a good example of winning basketball’s being about more than athleticism.

Howland will stick with Fey and Hollins while trying to develop them.

“That’s the only thing that I know,” he said. “To keep working hard, encouraging them, pushing them to try to get better.”

However, he’s looking for better options.

Freshman center Lorenzo Mata had an encouraging four-point, five-rebound stint in 18 minutes. The 6-8 Mata is playing catch-up because of an ankle injury, but his effort and raw talent might help him take minutes from others.

Freshman swingman Josh Shipp also made an impact with 13 points on five-for-eight shooting. Shipp is listed at only 6-5, but Howland is looking for someone to play big.

“Lorenzo and Josh showed glimpses [Sunday] that made me feel good about where we’re headed with them,” said Howland, who has focused on inside players in his next two recruiting classes.

“We’re going to have to try to scheme to get to where we’re getting Josh more minutes. Those minutes are going to have to come from somewhere.”

Playing a smaller lineup with senior Dijon Thompson and Shipp at the forwards intrigues Howland, but that plan might be on hold because Thompson on Sunday reopened a tear on the webbing of his right (shooting) hand. Howland said Thompson’s status for Saturday’s game against Pepperdine is in doubt.

What the Bruins need as a team is clear.