Frenetic Defense Promised

The rest of this season, however long it lasts, might look a lot like the Bruins’ frenetic, pressing attack in the second half Sunday against Washington, Coach Steve Lavin said.

Even though UCLA lost, 96-95, the fast pace of the second half shook up the Huskies and set loose Toby Bailey for 32 second-half points, 50% of UCLA’s 64-point total.

The Bruins, fueled by aggressive spot play from freshmen Rico Hines and Travis Reed, took 42 shots in the second half, a huge total for any team.

“I definitely think, because we’re smaller and because of the limited depth because of size, that the press is one way to neutralize or offset our lack of size, and our lack of strength underneath the basket,” said Lavin, while pointing out that he wouldn’t use such an aggressive press against Arizona on Saturday in the regular-season finale.