• Branch West had just one win coming into the contest, a four-point thriller over Lamar.

What, were the Bruins looking ahead to next week's game against EA Sports?

"Defensively, we didn't play with the necessary intensity or intelligence that it takes to win basketball games," Lavin said. "But this is why we play exhibition games – to find out what we need to work on."

Lavin can start in the paint. Freshman centers Michael Fey and Ryan Hollins combined for just two rebounds in 21 minutes, and junior T.J. Cummings (also two rebounds) picked up a fourth foul with over 13 minutes remaining in the game.

To their credit, they were matched up against hulking former NBA player Horacio Llamas, who generally had his way with the youngsters, finishing with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

"A coach needs to see his freshmen and really evaluate them to see who's ready both physically and emotionally, and that's what Lavin was doing out there," Branch West head coach Bob Gottlieb said.

On offense, the Bruins forced shots and turned the ball over repeatedly, often telegraphing passes that turned into steals and layups.

But most of all, it was a lackadaisical, almost uninterested defensive attitude that gave the Academy repeated open looks. Former Quinnipiac standout Nate Pondexter was four for five from beyond the arc and finished with 21 points, while Doug Gottlieb was a perfect four for four.

"There was a lot of switching out there without us talking, which left a lot of open shots," Cummings said.

Ray Young was impressive in his first game since the 2000-2001 season. The senior, who redshirted last season, went 7 for 13 to lead the team with 15 points.

But beyond Young, the only Bruin who looked to be in game form was Lavin, who was clad in typically dapper digs, black undershirt and all.

With UCLA's season opener against San Diego less than two weeks away and Duke lurking in 16 days, Pondexter had some advice for the Bruins.

"Boy, they gotta practice tomorrow, man," Pondexter said.