Lavin Glad For Rough Spots

By DAVID WHARTON

Nov. 22, 1998 12 AM PT

The Bruins may have struggled some in their season-opening 89-76 victory over Santa Clara on Thursday, but Coach Steve Lavin would like to think they learned something for their troubles.

“If we would have had a blowout, we wouldn’t get anything out of it, especially with a young team,” he said. “We need games like this early in the season to prepare us.”

Lavin praised Santa Clara’s deliberate offense. He went so far as to compare the Broncos--in style, at least--to Pacific 10 Conference teams Stanford, Washington and Oregon.

“[Santa Clara] plays a very physical style,” Lavin said. “That physicality allowed them to stay in the game.”

The coach got no argument from freshman Jerome Moiso. In his first college game, Moiso had an impressive 16 points and seven rebounds, but seemed taken aback by the pushing and shoving in the paint during the first few minutes.

“At the beginning, they started banging,” he said. “I know what to expect now.”

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David Wharton

David Wharton has filled an array of roles – covering the courts, entertainment, sports and the second Persian Gulf War – since starting as a Los Angeles Times intern in 1982. His work has been honored by organizations such as the Society for Features Journalism and Associated Press Sports Editors and has been anthologized in “Best American Sports Writing.” He has also been nominated for an Emmy and has written two books, including “Conquest,” an inside look at USC football during the Pete Carroll era.

Lavin Glad For Rough Spots

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