Overview
- UCLA defeated Arkansas‑Pine Bluff 106-37 at Pauley Pavilion on Wednesday, producing a 69-point margin that is the largest in program history.
- The Bruins held the Golden Lions to nine first-half points and forced 21 turnovers before halftime for a game total of 30 turnovers and roughly 45 points off turnovers.
- Freshman Nikola Kusturica led UCLA with 17 points, Jaylen Petty scored 16, and Trent Perry posted 11 points and 11 assists for a double-double as six Bruins reached double figures.
- Coach Mick Cronin credited a deliberate 'nuisance press' and improved help defense for the result, and he praised the team's buy-in while noting Xavier Booker and Filip Jovic were out with injury issues.
- The win moved UCLA to 3-0 after an earlier upset of Arizona and a blowout of North Florida, but reporters noted the lopsided score came against a mid-major opponent and that tougher upcoming tests will better measure the team's sustainability.