For Mbah a Moute, it’s the little things that count

Coach Ben Howland always finds something good to say about sophomore forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute.

When Mbah a Moute, last season’s Pacific 10 Conference freshman of the year, struggled to score in some early games this season, Howland would point to a crucial rebound or a solid screen Mbah a Moute had executed.

Or Howland would gently mention that Mbah a Moute was struggling because of a strained groin muscle.

So it was no surprise Tuesday when Howland chattered with unabashed enthusiasm about the state of his forward as the top-ranked Bruins (11-0) prepared to begin defense of their Pac-10 title Thursday against Washington State (11-1) at Pauley Pavilion.

“Luc is improving his shooting,” Howland said. “The most important thing about shooting is shot selection, and he’s shooting 59% from the field and he’s four of seven from three[-point range].”

Well, it’s 58.2% and three of seven, but a coach can be forgiven for rounding up instead of down when the player is so conscientious about performing all the basketball skills.

In UCLA’s 92-55 obliteration of Michigan on Saturday, Howland said Mbah a Moute was “absolutely dominant. He does the things that no one talks about.

“On Arron Afflalo’s first three of the game, he knocks it down, it’s because Luc set a great screen. Luc got him wide open because he nailed a guy on a screen. He had seven steals, he was everywhere.”

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It is Howland’s way to mention areas where he says he thinks the team needs improvement. And so, with his news conference nearly over, in response to a final question about whether the Bruins feel extra pressure because of their No. 1 ranking, Howland’s words wandered in an interesting direction.

“We’re happy to be off to this start,” he said, “especially with the big bull’s-eye on our chest.”

Howland went into coach talk about new seasons and 0-0 records. But this is why one must always listen closely to Howland.

“We still have to get better at our rebound margin,” Howland said. “We’re like seventh or eighth in the league right now [seventh], and that’s going to be a telling tale for us. We’re going to have to get Arron to do a better job on the boards.”

Afflalo, who leads the team in scoring (16.0) is averaging only 1.6 rebounds. Last season he averaged 4.2, and his freshman season the average was 3.3.

“Sometimes,” Howland said, “it’s because he’s out chasing a shooter, he’s 20 feet from the basket. But he’s so big and strong, any area he focuses on, he can do it if we need it. He’s just going to have to bear down for us to be our best.”

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As a team the Bruins are shooting 40.3% from three-point range, and that makes Howland smile.

“I like that because it reminds me of my Northern Arizona days,” Howland said. “Forty percent from three is like 60% from two. So you like those numbers.”

Among the starters, point guard Darren Collison is the best, making 13 of 29 for 44.8%.

Freshman backup guard Russell Westbrook has made five of nine for 55.6%, which is better than his free-throw percentage (five for 11 or 45.5%).

diane.pucin@latimes.com