Looking for More Lifts

It’s time for UCLA to start thinking bigger.

That was Coach Ben Howland’s message Tuesday in his ongoing effort to get the Bruins to step up their play, particularly on defense.

UCLA ranks last in steals in the Pacific 10 Conference at 4.11 a game, an issue that Howland addressed during his weekly media conference.

“I’m not one to play a defense going for steals,” he said. “But by playing hard and getting deflections, we should be getting more steals.”

Howland singled out senior forward T.J. Cummings, who has only two steals in 15 games, and junior point guard Cedric Bozeman, who has 11 steals in 19 games -- or, as Howland calculated it, “one in every 65 minutes of play.”

That’s simply not cutting it, he said.

“Normally, you’d like to get a few more just by being active defensively,” Howland said, “being more active with your hands, anticipating.”

Bozeman and Cummings acknowledged they should be getting more steals after watching video of UCLA’s 80-75 victory over Washington on Saturday.

“I think I should, with my length and everything,” said the 6-foot-6 Bozeman. “But a lot of times it’s hard for me to just roam around. I could probably roam a little more, but I’m [concerned] about the guy I’m guarding getting open shots.”

Cummings said the Bruins focused on steals in practice Monday.

“We were getting into players even more [on defense] and consciously thinking that if a player ever gives you an opportunity, to try to get a steal,” he said.

Howland also would like to see center Ryan Hollins get more blocks. The 7-foot sophomore has seven blocks in 11 conference games.

“He should have seven blocks sometimes in a game, not in 11 games,” Howland said. “We have to start thinking bigger and trying to do more with our God-given ability.”

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Howland’s commitment to playing his reserves more minutes has given Jon Crispin a new lease on his basketball life.

The senior guard had not played since Jan. 2 against Oregon State, riding the bench for 10 consecutive games, until he played eight minutes Saturday against Washington and gave the Bruins a lift with his defense.

Crispin said knowing that he’ll probably play in games Thursday night at Arizona State and Saturday at Arizona will make it easier to stay sharp.

“It’s such a mental thing,” he said. “If you know you’re not playing, it’s hard to be as focused into the game. Now, being in it, you need to be ready every minute.”

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Junior guard Brian Morrison is listed as doubtful for the Arizona State and Arizona games because of a sprained right ankle sustained in practice Wednesday. His status will depend on his ability to practice today.

“He has to practice before he plays,” Howland said.