Tough Times on Both Sides

UCLA and Michigan will be on a scavenger hunt today to locate a shred of dignity, a measure of pride and an ounce of their former splendor.

The Bruins (2-4) are playing for the third time on national television. The first two ended in one-sided losses to Duke and Kansas. Worse were games mercifully shown only on regional cable, upsets at the hands of San Diego and Northern Arizona.

The Wolverines (4-6) beat Eastern Michigan on Monday, sparing themselves the embarrassment of being swept by three mid-major, instate schools. Michigan lost to Western Michigan and to Central Michigan during a season-opening, six-game losing streak.

Vestiges of the proud traditions of these onetime powers remain. At least UCLA has an edge there.

Legendary former UCLA coach John Wooden should be sitting in his customary seat near the Bruin bench. His image remains one of wholesomeness and unquestioned integrity.

Not so with Michigan. Serious transgressions involving Chris Webber and other key members of powerful Michigan teams from the 1990s prompted the school to take down Final Four banners from 1992 and 1993 and forfeit victories. The self-imposed penalties, Wolverine officials hope, will be enough to deter the NCAA from imposing sanctions.

Webber was indicted on charges he lied to Michigan investigators and a federal grand jury about $280,000 he allegedly received from booster Ed Martin during Webber’s Fab Five and high school careers.

The uncertainty could cloud the entire season. Michigan officials will meet with the NCAA infractions committee Feb. 14, but a verdict is not expected until several weeks after the meeting.

Meanwhile, the Wolverines try to focus on climbing out of the sizable hole created by the 0-6 start. Michigan trailed by seven points midway through the first half against Eastern Michigan before rallying to an 85-57 victory.

“We played with a lot of hunger and intensity,” Coach Tommy Amaker said.

Senior forward LaVell Blanchard became the sixth Michigan player to amass 1,500 points and 700 rebounds. Junior guard Bernard Robinson Jr. has played well in the four victories and freshman guard Daniel Horton is beginning to contribute after early struggles, scoring 24 points in one half against Bowling Green.

UCLA needs to improve its interior defense and find some semblance of offensive rhythm. A symptom that the Bruins are taking too many perimeter shots is their lack of free throws. They went to the line only six times against Kansas.

“We’ve got to get better shots on offense and develop some balance in our attack,” Coach Steve Lavin said.

“We have to get to the bonus sooner and take more inside high-percentage shots so we aren’t taking contested shots from the perimeter.”