UCLA’s three-point defense ranks next to last in the country, with opponents connecting on 45.1 percent of their three-point attempts.

With such a glaring weakness, switching to a defense that favors three-point shooters might seem like a move in the wrong direction.

"It doesn't help that [statistic] come down," Howland said. "But I would rather give up threes and try to contest those threes than layups."

He added: "I think a zone is going to benefit us, especially when we have to play big or change things up."