Getting respect
UCLA (17-6, 10-2 Pac-10) continues to gain national recognition
as one of the nation’s hottest teams after the Bruins’
sweep of the Arizona schools last week in Pauley Pavilion.
The Associated Press Top 25 poll released Monday has the Bruins
at No. 15, a rise of nine spots from last week.
Meanwhile, the ESPN/USA Today weekly national rankings have UCLA
returning to No. 23. The Bruins have been absent from that poll
since Nov. 20.
“We are not at the top of almost any statistical category
(in the conference),” said UCLA Head Coach Steve Lavin.
“But our upperclassmen and having Earl (Watson) as our
quarterback allows us to know what it takes to win games and be
successful.”
The Bruins boast the sixth-best Ratings Percentage Index (RPI)
this week, as well as the third strongest schedule in the
country.
Just win, baby
The Bruins are off to their best Pac-10 start in the Steve Lavin
era with a 10-2 conference record entering this weekend’s
trip to Oregon.
Prior to the 2000-01 campaign, UCLA’s best record under
the current regime was a 9-3 mark in 1997. Lavin’s squad
stumbled to a 4-8 record at this time last year before running off
a winning streak of six Pac-10 games to make the NCAA
Tournament.
“I think that (Lavin) has done a tremendous job down at
UCLA this year,” Oregon Head Coach Ernie Kent said.
“It’s a tough job to be scrutinized on a daily
basis.
“This year, they have done a better job defensively. They
have upped their intensity level and it’s been causing
problems for other teams. They seem to be playing more
together.”
The Bruins are on a five-game winning streak. UCLA has won 15 of
its last 18 overall this season. The Bruins hold a 70-18 series
lead over Oregon, but have lost five of the last seven at Mac Court
in Eugene.
UCLA’s victory over Arizona last Thursday was its 16th of
the season, assuring the Bruins of their NCAA record 53rd
consecutive winning season.
Pickpocket
UCLA senior point guard Earl Watson had eight steals in last
Saturday’s win over Arizona State, bringing his career total
to 219. Currently second, he needs only six steals to surpass Tyus
Edney (1991-95) as the top thief in Bruin history.
Watson, who will be starting his 121st straight game in his
career on Thursday, is first in the Pac-10 this season in steals.
He is averaging 2.00 per contest for the conference-leading Bruins
(7.65).
Notes compiled by AJ Cadman, Daily Bruin Senior Staff.