the Bruins played a very flawed game but they competed against what looks to be a good Arizona team. In fact, they could have won. After three pretty meh performances we finally saw what the Bruins could be. For sure there's still work to be done - collectively and individually - but we saw glimpses of just how good this team could be.
In terms of affecting the game, both Booker and Jamerson presented themselves well. I feel a little better about the 5 position after last night. The Bruins were in a position to win in spite of the much vaunted Bruin backcourt having a not so good night. I believe that speaks to the grit and competitiveness of this team and the overall effectiveness this team has the potential for.
The Bruins were sloppy with the ball, played too much one on one ball, allowed too many layups, got out rebounded, and still were right there at the end in a position to win. I don't know how good Arizona will be and I don't know if UCLA can come anywhere near their potential, but I think it still speaks well for the Bruin team to be right there in a position to win with so many negatives going against them.
Of course it's always better to win, but I don't feel like last night was a bad loss, and, in fact, I'm somewhat heartened by last night's effort. In a perfect world the Bruins will take last night's experience and move forward with the knowledge and experience of what they are capable of and have blow out wins in their remaining "cupcake" games and strong (and hopefully victorious) outings against Gonzaga, Arizona State, and Cal along with a couple of tough conference wins before entering the meat of conference play.
That's in a perfect world. It wouldn't surprise me, however, if the Bruins continue with more of a "roller coaster" ride through their pre-conference schedule. It takes a lot of work to collectively prepare one's self, as a whole team, to compete for a game. It's another level entirely to be able to do that every game for the entire season. Now it's up to the coaching staff and the veterans to make sure everyone is always ready and plays hard and tough every night. One thing the Bruins can't say now is they don't know what it takes to compete and they can't say they can't do it. We'll see what they do with all that moving forward. Time to grow.