Orange County Register

UCLA expected to have its fair share of tough games early on: Kansas, Notre Dame, Mississippi State, and a few potential NCAA-Tournament teams in this weekend’s 76 Classic.

One week into the season and that list continues to grow. The Bruins turned in another patchy performance Monday before dispelling Pepperdine, 71-52, at Pauley Pavilion.

“I think this whole preseason is what we’ve needed heading into this tournament,” forward Drew Gordon said. “We’re going to have our ups and downs and we’re on an up right now.”

Senior guard Michael Roll and his five assists led UCLA for the third consecutive game. His 17 points and five 3-pointers were just as important. Pepperdine had cut a double-digit deficit to five midway through the second half when Roll connected on his third 3-pointer of the half. He added two assists soon after and another 3-pointer as the Bruins closed the game with a 25-11 run.

UCLA shot above 50 percent (54.3) for the second game in a row. Gordon had a team-high 18 points, nine rebounds and three blocks. Guard Malcolm Lee had 13 points and three steals.

“We all have to keep contributing,” Roll said. “Drew opens it up for me and Malcolm. Teams are definitely going to have trouble covering all three of us. At respective times we all have open shots.”

UCLA was noticeably tougher on the defensive end, forcing 17 Pepperdine turnovers and holding the Waves to 41 percent shooting. Coach Ben Howland said he was especially pleased with three charges UCLA took.

Reserve point guard Mustafa Abdul-Hamid had 10 points and three assists — all in the second half — as Jerime Anderson sat out all but one minute after halftime with leg cramps.

The Bruins, which led 28-20 at halftime, limited Pepperdine guard Keion Bell to three points in the first half but watched as he briefly brought the Waves back. He finished with 22 points.

Howland says last week’s loss to Cal State Fullerton in the season opener still hangs over the Bruins (2-1).

“When you get beat you have that sting in your feet,” Howland said. “We expect to win. When you lose that game it hurts everybody.”

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