Victories Still Make Their Day

Is it a big deal to beat UCLA? Not this year, not around these parts, not when the Bruins lose to Cal State Northridge and nearly lose to a UC Santa Barbara team that won its first game Saturday with an overtime victory over Westmont College of the NAIA.

But let there be no doubt the Bruins’ reputation, the one built upon a foundation of 11 national championships, remains strong elsewhere in America. While the Bruins were fairly disgusted by Saturday’s 72-67 loss to Georgia Tech, the Yellow Jackets were thrilled.

As the final buzzer sounded, guard Shaun Fein ran around the court, jumping in celebration. Center Alvin Jones pumped his fists skyward.

“With the tradition they have, no matter what their record is, it’s still UCLA,” guard Tony Akins said, “so it’s still a big deal to beat them.”

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While the Bruins (2-3) are prohibitive favorites to beat Hawaii Saturday at Pauley Pavilion, the rest of the December schedule could be troubling enough that UCLA could sport a losing record when Pacific 10 Conference play opens Jan. 4.

The Bruins face UC Irvine Dec. 16, and the Anteaters (3-1) beat California on Saturday. The Bruins also face sixth-ranked North Carolina (3-2) Dec. 23 and visit Purdue Dec. 30. The Boilermakers (2-2) beat Arizona last month.