Second Game a Little Tougher

After scoring 24 points Thursday in his UCLA debut, forward T.J. Cummings struggled a bit Friday in the Bruins’ 97-92 victory over Kentucky.

Cummings was one for eight from the floor in regulation before making both of his shots in overtime and two of six free throws in the Bruins’ 97-92 victory. He finished with eight points in 28 minutes, with four rebounds and one steal.

“T.J. put in a good effort for a freshman,” Coach Steve Lavin said. “The Superman cape isn’t going to be on every game for any freshman in the country. It’s going to be a different player every night who comes through for us.”

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When the Bruins resume practice Monday, the emphasis will be on defensive fundamentals.

“We’ve got a lot of deficiencies, defense in particular,” Lavin said. “It is early. I think the danger in playing this early is the games are going to be sloppy and some of your fundamentals aren’t as razor-sharp as they need to be for conference play or NCAA tournament play.”

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In discussing problems he has faced at UCLA, Lavin was referring to Kris Johnson and Jelani McCoy when he spoke of starting a season without two star players. The players’ names were incorrectly stated in Friday’s editions. . . . Earl Watson (20 points) became the 40th player in Bruin history to score 1,000 points. He has 1,019. With eight assists Thursday and nine Friday, he has 458 assists, tying him for sixth with Toby Bailey. . . . UCLA has won six consecutive overtime games and is 7-2 under Lavin in overtime. . . . Jason Kapono (21 points) led the Bruins in scoring for the 17th time in his career. Dan Gadzuric (16 points, 14 rebounds) recorded his eighth double-double. . . . All-tournament team was Watson, Keith Bogans of Kentucky, Omar Cook of St. John’s, Drew Gooden of Kansas and MVP Kenny Gregory of Kansas.

UP NEXT

Wednesday vs. EA Sports at Pauley Pavilion, 7:30 (Exhibition). Nov. 21 vs. Cal State Northridge, Pauley Pavilion, 7:30.