UCLA Basketball: Lazar Stefanovic Says "Defense Getting Better," Not Worried About Trojans Boogie Ellis

Lazar Stefanovic breaks down how the Bruins' defense will step up in silencing the Trojans' high scorers.

The UCLA Bruins are coming off a loss and posting a 2-1 record in their last three games. Even though the team lost to Arizona, the energy feels different. The team has been playing with far more vigor ever since their loss to Utah. 

A big reason behind the enhanced vigor the Bruins have been playing with is the play of guard Lazar Stefanovic. In the last three games, Stefanovic is averaging 16 points. Apart from Stefanovic and Adem Bona stepping up in scoring, the defense output is a strong point that the Bruins are banking on. 

"He's [Ellis] a great player, a great shooter," Stefanovic told All Bruins. 

"We need to help more towards him. He's a great shooter. Every team we play there's a leading scorer, there's a best player, and you gotta pay more attention to. It's nothing we haven't faced yet this year. Our defense is getting better. It's getting better and better and has been better throughout the year. We just gotta remain focused." 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by LA Sports Report (@lasportsreport)

The Bruins will need to ensure they stay on their defensive game in trying to stop high scorers like USC's Boogie Ellis and Kobe Johnson. 

Playing defensive basketball has gone over well for the Bruins this season thus far. Out of 19 games, the team has held opponents to 65 points or less in 10 of those games. Of those 10, their record is 7-3. 

While scoring is important, the Bruins can follow head coach Mick Cronin's mantra of toughness to ensure they outlast the Trojan's energy levels. 

Both the Bruins and Trojans are 8-11 and are on the outside looking when it comes to the possibility of qualifying for the NCAA Tournament. Should the Bruins take down their crosstown rivals, it will look far more likely that they will be given a bid.