UCLA Sets Program Record With 69-Point Rout of Arkansas-Pine Bluff

Strong defense forced dozens of turnovers and held the Golden Lions to nine first-half points, underscoring UCLA’s imposing early-season form.

Overview

On Wednesday night the No. 9 Bruins beat Arkansas-Pine Bluff 106-37 for a 69-point margin that is the largest in UCLA men’s basketball history.
UCLA’s defense dominated by forcing an unusually high number of turnovers and holding UAPB to nine points in the first half, which matched a school low for points allowed in a half.
Freshman Nikola Kusturica led UCLA with 17 points, Jaylen Pettit added 16, and Trent Perry recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 assists.
The loss dropped Arkansas-Pine Bluff to 1-3 under coach Soloman Bozeman while UCLA improved to 3-0 under Mick Cronin in his eighth season.
UCLA returns to Pauley Pavilion to host Long Beach State next, and the game highlighted a defensive identity and depth that opponents will need to prepare for going forward.