Bruin Basketball

The last time I saw a Bruin men's basketball game was three years ago. That team was the second to last group that was under coach Steve Lavin. On that night, UCLA pulled off the upset of Arizona when Jason Kapono hit a go ahead three pointer. Arizona had one final possession with very little time on the clock and didn't score.

That UCLA team was hot and cold all year and promptly flopped in the Pac-10 tournament in the first round but then in the NCAA stunned U of Cincy Bearcats in the second round to make it into the Sweet 16. The Bruins led slightly against the Mizou Tigers in the second half but then ran out of gas going down to defeat.

The Bruins have not made it to the NCAA since.

The Pac-10 has been on the decline and it is generally believed that only the top three teams will go to the NCAA this year. Currently, UCLA is in third place but today face Arizona.

I saw UCLA defeat ASU last Thursday night 95-76.

It was their best all around effort this season. Defense was solid. They only had 13 turnovers and held their own in the rebounding department. It was also a career best for Dijon Thompson who scored 27 in the first half and finished with 39 total.

Jordan Farmar got 18 points in the second half. Brian Morrison also contributed 13.

Clap - clap - clap - clap - clap - clap - clap - clap - U - C - L - A!!!

The famed floor. Now, called the Nell and John Wooden Court.



The last banner, ten years ago which was the first and only banner after Wooden retired with a championship team in 1975.



The 2004-2005 edition warming up.



Game in hand ...