What is an exhibition game in college basketball?
An exhibition game is a preseason game that does not count toward a team's regular-season record. Teams play them before the official season starts to test lineups and build rhythm. UCLA's men's team opened its exhibition schedule with a 100-53 win over California Baptist.
Why it's in the news
UCLA men's basketball opened its preseason exhibition schedule with a 100-53 win over California Baptist. Coverage focused on the team's defense and on forward Eric Dailey Jr.'s shooting.
- UCLA Basketball — UCLA routs Cal Baptist 100-53 in first exhibition game
Background
In college basketball, an exhibition game is a practice-style contest played against outside opponents before the regular season begins. Because the result is not part of the official standings, coaches use these games to try out players, systems, and combinations without the pressure of a ranked win or loss. Fans often see them as a first look at a team.
The term is also used more broadly. Exhibition games appear in other sports and in other settings, such as touring or showcase matches. In most cases the core idea is the same: the game is staged for preparation or entertainment, and its final score does not change a team's official record. A scrimmage is usually an internal or practice session, while an exhibition is a game against another team, though both are used to prepare for the season.
In the current news, UCLA men's basketball opened its preseason exhibition schedule with a 100-53 win over California Baptist. A Sports Illustrated recap said the Bruins played sharp defense at the rim and on the perimeter, and produced efficient offense that included several alley-oops. The same recap named forward Eric Dailey Jr. as the standout offensive performer, reporting that he scored 25 points and made seven three-pointers. Because exhibition results do not count toward the regular-season record, this win shows how the team looked in its first game but does not affect its official record.
What people are asking
What is an exhibition game in college basketball?
It is a preseason game against an outside opponent that does not count toward the team's regular-season record. Coaches use it to test players and systems before the season starts.
Does an exhibition game count in the standings?
No. Exhibition results do not count toward the regular-season record.
Who won UCLA's first exhibition game?
UCLA won 100-53 over California Baptist, according to a Sports Illustrated recap.
Sources
- Sports IllustratedInstant Takeaways From UCLA's Exhibition Win Over Cal Baptist
- Yahoo Sports3 UCLA Players to Watch in Exhibition Against Cal Baptist