Power of the Press Might Be Answer

Despite the losses last week to USC and St. John’s, only one significant change in strategy is expected by UCLA tonight against Arizona State -- the Bruins will press more often.

“We might go 40 minutes with it, why not?” forward Andre Patterson said.

The press probably won’t be employed for the duration of the game, but Coach Steve Lavin told the players about plans to increase defensive pressure during a 90-minute team meeting Monday that primarily focused on mending internal problems.

In recent weeks, several players have expressed a desire to implement the full-court press for more than a few minutes a game.

Lavin, however, has preferred to throw multiple defenses at opponents.

The press could force the Bruins to exhibit more energy and effort -- qualities that the players admit have been lacking on a consistent basis.

It also would mean that Lavin would use his bench more liberally because players would tire sooner.

Last season, Lavin lit a fire under the team by replacing the five starters with five reserves all at once. But he might be a loss or two from doing anything that drastic.

“He said that if we don’t start turning it around, there will be changes,” guard Jon Crispin said. “He mentioned the five-on, five-off thing. It’s all about effort.”

*

The crowds at Pauley Pavilion have been increasingly hostile. Most of the players outwardly shrug off the boos and catcalls, but it hasn’t made for much of a home-court advantage.

“We all grew up dreaming about playing under this kind of pressure,” Patterson said. “Then when it happens, and you hear that stuff, it’s rough. If we play well, they’ll get behind us.”

*

TONIGHT

vs. Arizona State, 7:30

Site -- Pauley Pavilion.

Radio -- XTRA (690, 1150).

Records -- UCLA 4-7 overall, 2-1 in Pacific 10; Arizona State 11-4, 3-1.

Update -- The Bruins begin a five-game stretch against Pacific 10 Conference opponents with a combined record of 53-15. Arizona State, led by point guard James Braxton and forwards Ike Diogu and Tommy Smith, defeated the two Washington schools by a combined 73 points last week. Diogu, a freshman, averages 18.2 points and 6.9 rebounds. The Sun Devils defeated the Bruins, 69-68, last season at Pauley Pavilion. UCLA’s Dijon Thompson did not practice Monday and has gone lightly the last two days.