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Freshman forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute slams home two points in the first half. Mbah a Moute f

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Sophomore point guard Jordan Farmar drives the lane in the second half, as the Bruins win their f

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Sophomores Jordan Farmar and Lorenzo Mata block the shot of Sacramento State's DaShawn Freeman. T

Friday night wasn’t the first time this season that the UCLA men’s basketball team was a lot better than its opponent.

It was simply the first time that the Bruins decided to show it for an entire game.

No. 12 UCLA (10-1) shot 67.3 percent from the field and ran away with an 86-56 victory over Sacramento State (8-5) in the team’s final tune-up before conference play begins Dec. 29 at home against Stanford.

“It was a good thing tonight that we were able to come out with some intensity and maintain it for 40 minutes,” said sophomore guard Arron Afflalo, who led all scorers with 22 points.

Following a handful of home games where UCLA played down to the level of lesser opponents, Friday presented a truly welcome sight. The Bruins, who are off to their best start since the 1995 season, built an 18-2 lead to start the game and never allowed the Hornets closer than 8 points the rest of the way.

“I’m excited about the fact that we were finally able to beat someone handily here in Pauley Pavilion,” coach Ben Howland said.

Friday’s victory was the kind of game where almost everything came together, as the Bruins collectively produced an awfully attractive stat sheet.

In addition to shooting nearly 70 percent, UCLA won the rebounding battle 43-25, had eight blocks, and most impressively, 28 of the team’s 37 field goals came off assists.

The team’s stellar passing led to easy basket after easy basket, which explains the astonishing field goal percentage, and it had Howland singing his players’ praises following the final whistle.

“To have 28 assists on 37 baskets is very exciting,” Howland said. “I couldn’t be more pleased with all the assists.”

Howland is also understandably pleased with how things have gone thus far this season, especially considering the slew of injuries the team has had to overcome.

Sophomore guard Josh Shipp (hip injury), still hasn’t played a game, though he is expected to make his season debut against Stanford.

Senior center Michael Fey is still not 100 percent after sustaining a groin injury early in the season.

Freshman forward Alfred Aboya (knee) has appeared in just five games, though he turned in his most productive performance of the season Friday with 12 points and two rebounds.

To put it in perspective, UCLA has had just one practice this season in which everyone has participated.

“We’ve played some very good teams so far, and I’m very pleased how our team has responded to all the adversity,” Howland said. “If we get everybody healthy, this team has a chance to be an outstanding team in time.”

Following Wednesday night’s tense 74-72 victory over Wagner, the Bruins responded in emphatic fashion against the Hornets, leaving little doubt that they would control the game.

At one point in the first half, UCLA had a blocked shot on three consecutive Sacramento State possessions.

Sophomore center Lorenzo Mata, who started Friday night, finished with four blocks to go with his six points and seven rebounds.

“It feels great after coming back from a tough game against Wagner,” Mata said. “We wanted to play good defense and come back here and try to blow a team out and make a name for ourselves.”

Afflalo, who entered Friday’s contest leading the team with 17.8 points per game, once again did his part. His 22 points were just one short of his career high, and he should have had a chance to set a new mark at the free throw line.

With 4:06 to play in the game, Afflalo drove hard to the basket, got fouled, and fell awkwardly. It appeared that he had violently banged his head against the floor, though he said afterward that he only hit his elbow. Up 27 at that point, Howland erred on the side of caution and sat Afflalo down for the rest of the night, two free throws shy of a new career high.

“I was definitely aware that I was two points away, but we were up 30, so I just had to let it go,” Afflalo said. “It’s not that big a deal.”

Freshman forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute was once again spectacular on the glass, finishing with 11 rebounds and 13 points. Mbah a Moute has led UCLA in rebounding in all 11 games this season.

The only real blemish for the Bruins Friday night was their 21 turnovers, but it was a small negative on a night of many positives.

In many ways, it was a statement night for the Bruins. They have successfully navigated a difficult non-conference schedule, and now the real fun is set to begin.

DRIBBLERS: Senior center Ryan Hollins strained his groin in warm-ups Friday night, and Howland didn’t have a report on him after the game. Howland said it is the first time in his coaching history that a player has injured himself in the lay-up line. … Mbah a Moute’s double-double was his third of the season. … Fey’s lay-up with 20 seconds remaining were his first points since Nov. 29. … Freshman guard Kelvin Kim entered the game to a standing ovation with just under two minutes remaining.