UCLA shuts down Boston University in 71-40 rout

(Photo credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images)

Lazar Stefanovic and Eric Dailey Jr. each scored 13 points for UCLA, which forced 28 turnovers on the way to a 71-40 rout of Boston University on Monday night in Los Angeles.

UCLA (2-1) returned home after a disappointing loss to New Mexico in Henderson, Nev., on Friday, after which Bruins coach Mick Cronin called out his team for its turnover troubles. UCLA committed 15 giveaways on Monday but offset them with its stifling defense.

The Bruins converted Boston University’s turnovers into 36 points. UCLA also dominated the interior, outscoring the Terriers 34-10 in the paint.

Stefanovic went 3-for-5 from 3-point range on a night UCLA collectively struggled from beyond the arc, going just 5-for-22 as a team. Sebastian Mack chipped in 12 points for the Bruins. Mack was a player Cronin specifically mentioned as someone who struggled offensively against New Mexico. Mack responded by committing no turnovers against the Terriers.

Boston University (0-3) was 6-for-24 from long distance, led by its only double-figure scorer, Kyrone Alexander. Alexander made 2 of 6 triples en route to 10 points.

The Terriers were not much more successful inside the 3-point arc, going 8-for-22 on 2-point field-goal attempts. With its inability to get good looks from inside, Boston University also failed to get to the free-throw line often.

The Terriers attempted nine foul shots, making six. UCLA, meanwhile, went 18-for-21 at the free-throw line.

It was a blowout from the start, with the Bruins racing out to a 21-7 lead on Mack’s 3-pointer with 11:24 left in the first half.

The visitors were later within nine, 28-19, following a pair of free throws from Nico Nobili with 2:56 to go, but UCLA then rattled off nine unanswered points to blow the game open. The Bruins went into the break up 39-22.

UCLA opened the second half on an 11-0 run, then led by at least 20 the rest of the way.

–Field Level Media