UCLA needs Malcolm Lee to step up

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There was one bright spot in the Bruins’ 82-81 heart breaker to Washington State.

‘The most encouraging thing today, for me, was Malcolm Lee’s performance,’ said UCLA Coach Ben Howland. ‘I thought he did a great job and he’s really coming along for us. I’m proud of him. He came in and really seized his opportunity and played great at both ends. In the past he’s been a little prone to get sped up offensively. He made some really nice jump-stop passes when he came in the first half.’

Lee’s offense might be looking better, but it was his defense that earned him a second half start in place of fellow freshman guard Jrue Holiday:

There are just four games left in the regular season, and that means four big opportunities for Lee to live up to Howland’s words.

UCLA’s coach didn’t seem too concerned about Holiday’s performance, which included one point, one rebound, four assists, two turnovers, and two fouls in 16 minutes.

Jrue Holiday, ‘defensively, was breaking down on some of his responsibilities -- which is to trail the shooter and not go underneath the screens,’ Howland said. ‘That’s something we’re going to watch as a team. Jrue will be fine. He’ll bounce back. Being a freshman, being thrown in such a big situation, it’s tough. As talented as he is, it’s a real lesson that you’ve got to show up and be ready to go from the get-go in every game you play. He had some defensive breakdowns, no question, against [Washington State’s Klay Thompson] in the first half that allowed that kid to get off to a good start for him -- and their team.’

-- Adam Rose