Bruins Get Revenge in Eugene

The bonus to Saturday’s victory against Oregon was that it came in Eugene, site of losses in the last two visits and four of the previous five trips.

McArthur Court was even more memorable for the Bruins because the fans there never miss the chance to rub in the outcome.

So when UCLA finished off the 65-63 victory this weekend, several players couldn’t help but walk near the Oregon student section and offer various taunts. A couple waved goodbye. Sophomore guard Earl Watson, with vivid memories of the 1998 loss in Eugene, stood on the court and mockingly invited Duck supporters on the hardwood with an extended index finger.

“It was like, run on to the court,” Watson said. “Every time they win, they run on the court. They couldn’t come this time.”

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The Bruins wore their black uniforms for the second time--in one of the few games that wasn’t televised in Los Angeles.

The first was during the 70-54 loss to Maryland in the Puerto Rico Shootout.

So the black uniforms, used in the wake of the disappointing defeat at Oregon State, have now become part of their recovery.

Players are already talking about bringing them out Feb. 11 at Stanford.

Saturday’s wardrobe was accented by black headbands worn around the newly shaved heads of Baron Davis and Travis Reed, a fashion accessory the two decided on earlier in the day while shopping in a mall near the team hotel.

“Just trying something new,” Reed said. “We told each other we should shave our heads and go with the headbands. I guess it’s good luck.”