BOX SCORE
WESTWOOD, Calif. --- Biola gave NCAA Division I powerhouse UCLA a good fight through the first half, but the Bruins exploded in the second half en route to a 76-42 win over the Eagles in an exhibition game at Pauley Pavilion in Westwood on Friday night.
It was the chance of a lifetime for the Eagles--who were taking on the Bruins for the first time in school history--and they made the most of the opportunity. Sophomore transfer Josh Miller led Biola with 12 points with junior Rocky Hampton adding nine points and 14 rebounds. Junior Marlon King added 10 points.
However, the Bruins, who entered the contest ranked No. 4 in the NCAA Preseason polls, clearly had an edge in height and quickness and used both to their advantage. NCAA Division I Preseason All-American Darren Collison led UCLA with 14 points, adding three assists in just 27 minutes of play.
“I thought the guys played well in the first half,” said Biola Head Coach Dave Holmquist. “They didn't get overwhelmed with playing in Pauley Pavilion and gave them a game. We just didn't shoot very well in the second half and kind of ran out of gas.”
The Eagles managed to stick around with the team ranked No. 4 in the NCAA Division I Preseason polls, trailing by just three at 28-25 with 4:52 to play in the first half. But UCLA went on a 9-2 run to close out the half and led 38-27 at halftime.
In the second, the Bruins continued their run scoring 12 of the first 16 points of the second half and stretching the lead to 50-31. UCLA would continue to pour it on as the half went by as Biola shot just 21.9 percent to UCLA's 50 percent. The Bruins emptied their bench in the final 10 minutes but by then, Biola was nearly running on empty as UCLA cruised to the 76-42 win.
“It was a good experience for us overall,” said Holmquist. “I wish we would have shot the ball better in the second half, but we only had four turnovers in the first and gave them a good fight.
"I believe the score does not reflect the good things we did out there," said Holmquist. "Playing against UCLA, it points out some weakenesses (we have) like not blocking out or being there for help-side defense. Aagainst a team like this which is so athletic, it shows up more."
Biola opens the regular season on Friday (Nov. 14), traveling to face Holy Names University in Oakland at 7:00 p.m.
