Watson Sees New Energy After Loss

The Bruins practiced long and hard Friday, one day after giving thanks that this week’s upset loss to Cal State Northridge did not herald the end of the world. Senior guard Earl Watson, who criticized his teammates after the Northridge game for what he considered a lack of fortitude, said the players have been energized in the wake of the defeat.

“We realize we’re going to lose games, but we can’t let that play with our mind,” Watson said. “We’re still the team that beat Kentucky. We’re still the team that barely lost to Kansas.

“We want to eliminate the team that came out with a lack of intensity, a lack of pride and a lack of effort against Northridge. That’s not up to Coach [Steve] Lavin. That’s up to every single player.”

While anguished alumni may hide their faces after the loss to Northridge, Watson said the 15th-ranked Bruins (1-2) will be just fine.

“We’re going to be a good team. We want to win the Pac-10. Our goals haven’t changed,” Watson said. “I realize people want to write us off. We’re not worried about that. We’ll achieve our goals, and everyone else will be our friends again.”