The UCLA men’s basketball season starts with an exhibition game against Chico State tonight. (Photo Credit: Don Liebig/uclabruins.com)
Tonight, the Bruins welcome Chico State to Pauley Pavilion for UCLA’s first men’s basketball game on campus since an incredible run to the Final Four in March.
If tonight’s game isn’t over quickly, I think we’ll all be shocked. Even if it isn’t, tonight’s game doesn’t count. It’s just an exhibition, but the Bruins do need to come out pretty sharp tonight. Why?
Because Villanova visits next Friday for what will be one of the toughest matchups of the non-conference schedule, at least until UCLA plays Gonzaga in a Final Four rematch.
But, hey! Basketball is back in Westwood, which can’t come soon enough, given the way the football team has played of late.
Listen to the Game Here on TMB!
TuneIn.com now has UCLA’s football games listed as “premium” content. So, rather than using TuneIn, you can just listen through the official website like we have done with the small sports for a long time in order to listen to Nick Koop and Tracy Murray call tonight’s game instead of JB Long and Casey Jacobsen. If you do prefer UCLA’s radio team, be sure to right-click on it so that you can open up another tab and have it going while you chat in the comments below. Listen to tonight’s game online.
Join your fellow Bruin fans discussing tonight’s game below.
This is your Chico State Wildcats at UCLA Bruins game thread.
UCLA Men’s Basketball (0-0)
Opponent: Chico State Wildcats (0-0)
When: 7:00 pm PT, Thursday, November 4, 2021
Where: Pauley Pavilion, Los Angeles, CA
TV: Pac-12 Networks National and Los Angeles with J.B. Long and Casey Jacobsen
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To sum up the half, as expected we led almost the entire time. We are not hitting from long, as we're only 1 of 8. However, we are dominating the paint, with 24 points scored to their 8. We're making our free throws, which is nice. This half we shot 58% from the field, compared to their 38%, so defense is sound. We have 4 blocks and 5 steals as well, turning them over 12 times for 11 points off turnovers, so we look good defensively. Jaime and Myles Johnson are our lead scorers so far. As expected, Johnson leads rebounds. Riley has only played 7 minutes, and Singleton only 5, which is interesting.
Crap! Looks like Johnson got injured when he went down on that last play. He limped off and was immediately replaced. He's walking without help, but something to monitor. He may be done for the day.
For this game, Cronin started his veterans, which makes sense. I wonder how the starting five will change by the time Villanova comes around. Right now, I'd say Jules is most likely to lose his spot, but I'm not sure who would fill it.
If he had intangibles that others do not on the court, then I'd see him staying. I just think there are others who offer what he does on the court. Guess we'll just wait and see. He could be a deadly player off the bench this year.
We played well this game, albeit against inferior competition. Still, good to work the rust out, get back in game play. Only concern after this game is Johnson's health. Looking forward to Cronin updating us with that.
We’ve got a realistic shot right now at 3 NCs, Men’s BB, Women’s Soccer, Men’s Water Polo, and maybe even Women’s VB, I know they’re ranked 13 but watch them play, they’re really good! GO BRUINS
U
Just tuned in-- wow, Watson is thin and tall! Perfect bball body
His first score as a Bruin was a dominating dunk. The crowd went wild!
As they should! He's showing a nice handle with the ball as well
Very confident!
Plus, Johnson looks like the big, space-eating big we need!
Oh my! Watson with the enormous, rim-rattling dunk to end the half!!
To sum up the half, as expected we led almost the entire time. We are not hitting from long, as we're only 1 of 8. However, we are dominating the paint, with 24 points scored to their 8. We're making our free throws, which is nice. This half we shot 58% from the field, compared to their 38%, so defense is sound. We have 4 blocks and 5 steals as well, turning them over 12 times for 11 points off turnovers, so we look good defensively. Jaime and Myles Johnson are our lead scorers so far. As expected, Johnson leads rebounds. Riley has only played 7 minutes, and Singleton only 5, which is interesting.
So Riley had two fouls, which is prollly why he was sitting. It's awesome that Johnson can come in for him and dominate the way he has!
Great summation of the half!
Thx!!
Thankfully, we're beginning to hit our threes second half
Mostly Jaquez hitting em :-)
I remember watching the early exhibition games last year-- this is not remotely that experience! LOL
Looks like just you and me tonight. I am so happy to be here!
So happy UCLA basketball is back!!
Johnson's presence in the paint is making a huge difference in the game
He had two traveling violations in the first half but definitely found his rhythm. He was very effective at the rim.
Defensively, he's changing their shots
Crap! Looks like Johnson got injured when he went down on that last play. He limped off and was immediately replaced. He's walking without help, but something to monitor. He may be done for the day.
Ugh!
Hope it is nothing major. We are already down a few players. We need him.
We will definitely need him for 'Nova next Friday!
Agree 100%!
Great to see the fans at Pauley. I think the Villanova game is sold out.
Nice!
Ouch! Johnny bit hard on that head fake, got lotsa air and came down hard on his body
Just commenting on that here. No sense in getting hurt flying through the air in an exhibition game when you are up big.
^^ this!! ^^
Johnny has _not_ lost his stroke on his shot-- a thing of beauty
He missed his first few shots in the first half including his first free throw but definitely just a bit rusty. Came alive right after!
And Watson with the rejection of that last shot :-)
A thing of beauty!
I'll always have a fond spot in my heart for Nwuba after his post-season play last year. He beasted when we needed him most
Such a team effort in the post season! So awesome!
We are passing well in this exhibition game; like the unselfishness of our players
I don't think Jaquez has missed a shot yet. Perfect execution.
recommend the following for stats on the game as it goes on:
http://stats.statbroadcast.com/statmonitr/?id=370525
That is a thing of beauty! And I stand corrected. He has missed tonight. Thanks for sharing!
LOL he only missed _after_ you posted that!!
Yeah it was when I was pulling it up. Like the broadcaster's curse!
For this game, Cronin started his veterans, which makes sense. I wonder how the starting five will change by the time Villanova comes around. Right now, I'd say Jules is most likely to lose his spot, but I'm not sure who would fill it.
Jules is so gritty, just does't give up which I like, but I do see him on shaky ground as a starter.
If he had intangibles that others do not on the court, then I'd see him staying. I just think there are others who offer what he does on the court. Guess we'll just wait and see. He could be a deadly player off the bench this year.
Nwuba!
Love that last lucky shot!!
Smart. Jaquez sits with 6:30 left in the game. Let's not get our starters hurt, please.
True that!
Johnny and Tyger sitting as well.
So nice to see Kyman too!
Nailed that 3!
A thing of beauty!
Who is Stong?? He just entered for us.
No. 43.
I was thinking the same thing
Walk-on and human victory cigar.
LOL Peyton Watson just sent another one!
Just noticed Bernard sitting now as well; think Stong must have come in for him
You're right.
Interesting that Singleton getting a lot of garbage time for Cronin.
Maybe he wanted to leave another big out there??
He really didn't see much playing time during the normal part of this game
He did not
We played well this game, albeit against inferior competition. Still, good to work the rust out, get back in game play. Only concern after this game is Johnson's health. Looking forward to Cronin updating us with that.
*game shape
They just showed Johnson with the others on the bench, and he's smiling, so hopefully we dodged one there...
Whew!
I agree. There is nothing like a real game. You can only scrimmage so much.
Announcers just said Jaylen Clark playing Tuesday. Was held out for concussion protocol. I was unaware of that!
I thought Mac had a concussion?? Must have mixed that one up.
I know Mac was hurt and out for awhile; he was seen wearing a brace on his right knee, so maybe that's it?
Stong with the 3!!!
His first and the bench goes wild!
Every Bruin that has played tonight has scored now!
I know! So great!
thanks for spending the game with me, BruinMom!! No football this weekend, so see you Tuesday for CSU Bakersfield game!!!
Same to you! It was great to share the game with you!
BTW if some things I write sound so incredibly obvious, it's for those who couldn't watch the game but may want to read the game thread LOL
I got you! I was trying to add to your excellent commentary.
Like I just did! I only caught a few muted glimpses while at work so this was good to read. Thanks to both of you!
You are so very welcome! So great to see the Bruins in action. Looking forward to the games next week. See you on the thread!
We’ve got a realistic shot right now at 3 NCs, Men’s BB, Women’s Soccer, Men’s Water Polo, and maybe even Women’s VB, I know they’re ranked 13 but watch them play, they’re really good! GO BRUINS