Full-Court Press Plays Pivotal Role

As it has since the second half of the North Carolina game, UCLA used the full-court press frequently. The Bruins used it effectively at the start of the second half, tearing off a 10-2 run to claim their first big lead of the game, 56-41.

“The press caused a few turnovers at the beginning of the game,” USC Coach Henry Bibby said. “We got some layups against it also. We probably had 10 unforced errors, and that’s what breaks your back.”

The Bruins’ strategy was to take the ball away from Brandon Granville at halfcourt and get Brian Scalabrine into foul trouble.

“Those two set the tempo for them, especially Granville bringing the ball up the court,” UCLA Coach Steve Lavin said. “It was a defense that we worked out just for USC tonight, but it also took a lot of energy and we knew they were going to make a run late. The last 10 minutes of the game they just dominated us.”

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UCLA made 18 of 20 shots from the line (90%), its best performance of the season. The Bruins’ previous best came against UC Irvine, when they made 23 of 28 (82.1%).

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USC’s most critical turnover was Scalabrine’s bad pass on a two-on-one break with Robert Hutchinson with a minute to play. USC had just stolen the ball and was trailing, 76-73.

“I was out there playing with some different guys,” Scalabrine said. “They made their breaks and movements differently than I was used to. That’s why the pass was bad.”

Moments later, UCLA center Dan Gadzuric threw down a dunk and the Bruins wound up pulling away.