Slow Pace Might Be the Key

The screeching sound at Oregon’s McArthur Court tonight will be UCLA trying to put the brakes on the Ducks’ fast-paced offense.

Oregon loves a footrace, and has won enough to be tied for the lead in the Pacific 10 Conference. UCLA also liked life in the fast lane early in the season, but has come to realize patience has its virtues.

“We know their offense wants to score quickly,” Bruin guard Rico Hines said. “But we don’t want to shoot fast. We want to make them play defense for 35 seconds. They won’t want to play defense that long. They want to get the ball back and score.”

UCLA Coach Steve Lavin isn’t against his team scoring in transition. But he doesn’t want the Bruins dashing down the floor on offense simply because the Ducks are doing so.

“When we have opportunities in the break we want to take advantage,” Lavin said. “But when we are playing against a set defense, we want six or seven touches on the leather and get deeper into the shot clock. We want our shooters to get fouled and get some of their key players in foul trouble.”

Oregon has several scoring threats. Guards Frederick Jones, Luke Ridnour and Anthony Lever are excellent three-point shooters and forward Luke Jackson is versatile.

TONIGHT

at Oregon, 7:30, Fox Sports Net

Site--McArthur Court, Eugene.

Radio--KXTA (1150).

Records--No. 13 UCLA 14-5, 6-3 in Pac-10; Oregon 15-5, 7-2.

Update--The Bruins could use a quality road victory on their resume before NCAA tournament seeding takes place. Beating the co-leader in the Pac-10 at The Pit would qualify. The Ducks are 11-0 at home for the first time since 1937-38 and are 7-2 in conference games for only the second time. Jones (16.4 points), Jackson (15.5) and Ridnour (14.9) are prolific shooters.

Steve Henson