UCLA vs. Biola - Exhibition Game Preview

By Bruin Basketball Report

UCLA looks to further refine its game when it hosts Biola University on Friday night at Pauley Pavilion in the team's second and last exhibition of the season.

The Bruins easily beat Cal Baptist on Monday, 86-58. senior Josh Shipp scored a game-high 20 points on 7 of 8 shooting and junior Nikola Dragovic chipped in 13. Freshman sensation Jrue Holiday played a solid all-around game recording 12 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 6 steals.

Against Cal Baptist, the Bruins did most of their damage from the perimeter and did not show much offensive production nor dominate in the low post. Alfred Aboya, James Keefe, J'mison Morgan, and Drew Gordon combined for just 7 of 18 shooting and 16 points, and all of this against a small outmatched Cal Baptist team. One bright spot was J'mison Morgan who did flex his muscles down low grabbing a game-high 9 rebounds.

The Biola Eagles finished 17-14 last season in the Golden State Athletic Conference of NAIA Division I, the same conference as Cal Baptist. Biola is located just down south in La Mirada, California.

The Eagles return three solid senior starters from last year's team.

Forward Rocky Hampton (Sr, 6'9) is the top returning scorer and rebounder. He averaged 12.4 points and 8.2 rebounds. Guards Marlon King (Sr, 5'9) and Danny Campbell (Sr, 6'4) form a formidable duo in the back court.

It will be the first game of the season for Biola.

UCLA opens regular season action next week in the 2K Sports Classic on Wednesday when it faces Praire View A&M in the first round followed by a second round game on Thursday. If the Bruins win both games and a semifinal game the following week then it may set up a potential epic championship game match-up in Madison Square Garden against Duke.

Look for Bruin Basketball Report's (BBR) Annual Season Preview next Monday.

Game Information
UCLA vs. Biola
Date: Friday, Nov. 7, 2008
Time: 7:30PM PT
Place: Pauley Pavilion
TV: None
Internet: CSTV
Radio: None