Give Kapono a Big Assist

Jason Kapono made two three-point baskets to tie the UCLA career record of 197 set by Tracy Murray from 1990-92. But the junior guard will not remember this game for his scoring.

In fact, Kapono’s 14 points were his lowest total of the season. He did, however, turn in another fine all-around performance at point guard, with eight rebounds, four assists and only two turnovers in 37 minutes.

And when the Bruins needed his scoring, he delivered with two baskets in the last 1:13.

“With [freshman Cedric Bozeman] out, I’m needed at point,” he said. “Once he’s back, I’ll go back to my role as an off guard, no problem there.”

UCLA is 5-0 without Bozeman, who has recovered from knee surgery quickly and might play a few minutes next week in home games against Columbia and Georgetown.

The full-court press that UCLA shelved after losses to Ball State and Pepperdine was dusted off in the second half against Washington State.

The Bruins forced only 12 turnovers, but the press disrupted the Cougars’ offensive rhythm. UCLA outscored Washington State, 50-37, in the second half.

UP NEXT

Thursday vs. Columbia, Pauley Pavilion, 7:30 p.m.--UCLA takes a five-game winning streak into its first game against an Ivy League opponent since losing to Princeton in the first round of the 1996 NCAA tournament. Columbia (7-2) defeated Navy, 74-72, in the BYU Hawaii Yahoo Sports Invitational on Saturday.