UCLA Bruin head basketball coach Ben Howland held his pre game press conference Monday morning to talk about UCLA's upcoming game against Sam Houston State. He also talks about being ranked No. 1 in the country and what the Bruins need to do to keep improving.

What do you know about Sam Houston State?

Howland: "They are a team that runs a Princeton style offense. I shouldn't say Princeton style, they run Princeton's offense and run a lot of little quick hitting plays.

"It's a hard match up for our big guys because they don't have a true center. Their bigger people are all step out three-point shooters.

"That's something that I'm relishing the thought of trying to defend them.

"Irvine beat them the other night and I watched the tape. Sam Houston missed a lot of open shots that I don't think they normally miss. They had a lot of good looks. They missed a number of shots that I think they have been normally making.

"They are well coached. This guy does a good job coaching them. You look at their record over the last three years in their conference.

"It is a good team for us though because we are going to see the same style when we play Arizona State and West Virginia coming up shortly."

Are you aware of UCLA's history with Princeton? Do you remember that game?

Howland: "I do. I just remember that Pete Caril, I think it was his last game as coach. That was a tough loss of in the 40's if I'm not mistaken."

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