The Pit Presents Unique Challenge

For UCLA guard Ray Young, plunging into the crowd at Oregon’s McArthur Court wasn’t nearly as scary as trying to climb out of it.

A couple of years ago, Young was sprawled in the middle of the Duck student section after diving out of bounds for a loose ball. He had a tough time getting out of that mosh pit.

“I remember all those crazy dudes right in my face,” he said. “You really remember that. That’s a real home-court advantage.”

The way many Bruins see it, playing at Mac Court is one of the most daunting challenges of the Pacific 10 Conference season. The four-story arena is nicknamed “The Pit” and features a student section that stretches the length of the court.

Oregon students have been admonished several times this season not to jump in unison while visiting teams are shooting free throws, because it causes the rims to shake. That only prompts them to jump harder, of course.

“Their fans, from tipoff to the final buzzer, bring incredible energy and enthusiasm,” UCLA Coach Steve Lavin said. “It’s just a hostile foxhole.”

It’s that way even before the visitors enter the gym. They are harassed and harangued from the moment they step off the bus, which, incidentally, pulls up in front of the building, where Oregon students have been waiting for hours to claim the prime seats as soon as the arena doors open.

After an Oregon victory, it’s not uncommon for students to flood onto the court. In 1994, the Ducks ended an otherwise disappointing season with a one-point victory over UCLA at Mac Court. Their fans rushed the court not so much in celebration, but to chase the Bruins off the floor. Security tried to intervene, but it was an ugly situation.

Things have gotten a bit calmer, but not much.

“You have to embrace the challenge, see it as a positive,” said Lavin, whose team is 3-2 in conference road games. “It’s an opportunity to be able to learn and execute in those kind of conditions.”

TONIGHT

at Oregon, 7

Fox Sports Net 2

* Site--McArthur Court, Eugene, Ore.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--No. 15 UCLA 17-6, 10-2; Oregon 13-10, 4-9.

* Update--The Bruins, winners of five consecutive games, have been working on getting the ball to shooting guard Billy Knight, who lately has been hot from long range. In an odd twist, he has been far more effective in Saturday games this month. In three Saturday games, he has averaged 21 points and made 20 of 30 shots, compared to his Thursday average of 6.7 points during that span. Also, the Bruins want forward Matt Barnes to shoot more mid-range jumpers, especially from the corners at the top of the key.