As UCLA Basketball Goes, Hazzard Has Only Beaten Himself

After another embarrassing loss, this time to powerful Washington State, UCLA’s season record drops to 16-14, the second-worst record for the Bruins in the last 40 years. The worst was UCLA’s 15-14 mark two years ago.

Walt Hazzard’s record now as head man is inferior to those of the five coaches who preceded him. Yes, even inferior to the just-fired Larry Farmer of Weber State, who was run out of Westwood after winning 73% of his games.

And what would Hazzard’s record be if the Bruins didn’t get to play in the Crap-10, the conference that has insured automatic first-round wins for their opponents in NCAA play?

The guy has been a disaster for UCLA, yet received a contract extension before this season began. He’ll probably get a lifetime contract now.

I feel sorry for the UCLA (and USC) boosters in town. Obviously, the schools’ athletic directors don’t.

MARTIN LAWLER

Santa Monica