Sports · Basketball · 21 hrs ago
UCLA freshman Nikola Kusturica scores 29 in 114-63 win
UCLA freshman Nikola Kusturica scored 29 points in a 114-63 win over North Florida on Friday.
The 17-year-old Serbian forward made 10 of 12 shots, including all nine he took in the first half, when he scored 26 points.
The Bruins led 52-20 at halftime after turning a one-point deficit into a commanding lead.
Kusturica also had six rebounds, three assists, two blocks and no turnovers in 23 minutes.
He said adjusting to college basketball and coach Mick Cronin’s system had been difficult at first.
UCLA remained No.
14 in the CBS Sports ranking, while another ranking listed the Bruins at No.
22.
UCLA next plays Arkansas Pine Bluff on Wednesday, with a possible meeting against No.
6 Texas in a tournament final expected the day after Thanksgiving.
UCLA freshman Nikola Kusturica scored 29 points in the Bruins’ 114-63 win over North Florida.
The Serbian 17-year-old made 10 of 12 shots and scored 26 points in the first half.
UCLA won on Friday night at Pauley Pavilion, turning a one-point deficit into a 52-20 halftime lead.
Kusturica also had six rebounds, while CBS Sports reported he added three assists, two blocks and one steal without a turnover.
Coach Mick Cronin praised Kusturica’s all-around play, and the Bruins remained No. 14 in CBS Sports’ rankings.
- Who
- UCLA freshman Nikola Kusturica scored 29 points for the Bruins.
- What
- UCLA beat North Florida 114-63.
- When
- Friday night; the articles were published on November 7, 2026.
- Where
- Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
UCLA defeated North Florida 114-63 at Pauley Pavilion.
UCLA led 52-20 after turning a one-point deficit into a 32-point lead.
Kusturica and Cronin spoke about his performance and adjustment to college basketball.
- Final score
- UCLA 114, North Florida 63
- Kusturica points
- 29
- Shooting
- 10 of 12 field-goal attempts
- First-half points
- 26
- Venue
- Pauley Pavilion
3 sources
What people are saying
It's all coaching
He's a great player. A great player. Not a good player. He's a great player because he does everything on the court.
Seeing the ball go in helps the confidence a lot, so when I saw the first one go in I was a little relieved
When I came here, I was struggling, especially adjusting to the college game