No Soft-Pedaling This Loss

The UCLA Bruins torched themselves almost as bad as USC did Wednesday night, offering little defense during the game--and none after.

“It’s just embarrassing the way we played and gave up the game,” said forward Jerome Moiso, who had 12 points, six rebounds and three blocks.

“A lack of effort,” center Dan Gadzuric said.

It was obvious everywhere, particularly inside. The Trojans had 12 offensive rebounds in the first half in taking a 47-34 lead that became a 91-79 victory at the Sports Arena.

“We were soft,” Moiso said. “Just soft. That’s what it comes down to.”

*

JaRon Rush, under scrutiny and facing the possibility of losing most of his sophomore season to suspension, said he never considered the possibility of staying in Kansas City when he went home for a holiday vacation or of transferring to get a fresh start somewhere else.

“I wanted to come back because I enjoy UCLA,” he said. “[Athletic Director] Pete Dalis guaranteed me there would be a scholarship on the table for me even if the NCAA doesn’t clear me. I appreciate the support.”

Similarly, Rush said leaving college all together and turning pro was not an option, because “I just don’t feel like I’m ready for it yet.”

Though refusing to detail the actions that earned him an indefinite suspension nearly five weeks ago, Rush has admitted he knowingly broke rules by accepting money from agent Jerome Stanley, a statement Stanley has denied. Rush said teammates aren’t letting him off easy either during a difficult time--such as when he asked to borrow some money.

“They said, ‘Why don’t you borrow it from the agent.’ ”

UP NEXT

UCLA

* Saturday at North Carolina, 1 p.m. PST--The tradition-filled programs meet for the first time since the Tar Heels won by 41 points at the 1997 Great Alaska Shootout.

USC

* Thursday, Jan. 20, vs. Arizona State--The Trojans go against red-hot Sun Devil guard Eddie House, who had 61 points against California Saturday.