**UCLA Stumbles in Season Opener, Falling to New Mexico**

In a challenging season debut, UCLA's men's basketball team struggled to find its rhythm, succumbing to New Mexico in a 72-64 defeat at the Las Vegas Hoopfest held at Lee's Family Forum on Friday night. Despite a standout performance by Tyler Bilodeau, who led the team with 23 points and 15 rebounds, the Bruins' overall execution left much to be desired.

The game held promise midway through the second half when Bilodeau sank a three-pointer while being fouled, offering a chance for a four-point play. However, the missed free throw and subsequent faulty putback attempt epitomized the team's broader struggles. UCLA, marked by nine new players including six transfers and three freshmen, shot a mere 36.4% from the field compared to New Mexico's 51%. The team was especially cold from beyond the arc, hitting only five of 23 attempts.

Head Coach Mick Cronin pointed to the team's lack of readiness and discipline, emphasizing that they failed to match New Mexico's intensity. "Kids grew up hearing about all the great players at UCLA and they are coming to play and we were not ready for their intensity," he remarked, taking responsibility for the team's preparation. Despite the roster overhaul intended to enhance scoring, rebounding, and defending, the Bruins’ performance fell short of expectations.

New Mexico capitalized on UCLA's inefficiencies, particularly in the paint where they scored 36 points. Additionally, the Lobos' Donovan Dent contributed significantly with 17 points and eight assists despite turning the ball over nine times. UCLA's defense managed to force 24 turnovers but gleaned only 15 points from these opportunities, often turning the ball right back to New Mexico.

Freshman Trent Perry showed flashes of potential with eight points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals, but the team’s collective effort was insufficient. Point guard Dylan Andrews struggled with six turnovers, and forward Eric Dailey Jr. was hampered by foul trouble, underscoring the team's lack of composure.

Cronin expressed hope that this early setback might serve as a crucial learning experience. "It's good to play a game early like this...to be able to assess where we're at and what needs to happen," he said, stressing the need for the team to unite and build winning habits reminiscent of UCLA's storied past.

For the Bruins, the season's journey has just begun, but the message is clear: adjustments and improvements are necessary if UCLA aims to recapture its historic success.