A Few Reasons for Bruin Optimism

The Bruins can take heart in a few facets of their game as they prepare for their Pacific 10 Conference opener Thursday against Washington at Pauley Pavilion. They’re coming off a season-high 57.6% shooting performance against Purdue after being outshot in four of five games. They also collected a season-high 21 assists against the Boilermakers.

UCLA’s shooting has been inconsistent, and its defense often has been nonexistent, but the Bruins have rebounded well. They have won the battle of the boards in six of seven games, with North Carolina the lone exception. Another trend: UCLA is 5-0 when leading at the half.

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Washington football Coach Rick Neuheisel, who is scheduled to appear on ESPN’s “Up Close” show Wednesday, plans to stay in Los Angeles to attend Thursday’s basketball game at Pauley. Not only did Neuheisel play quarterback for the Bruins, he’s also a close friend of Husky basketball Coach Bob Bender.