Smith Says: Unreasonable expectations meant Lonzo Ball’s Laker tenure was doomed from start

Lonzo Ball’s time in Los Angeles appears to be coming to an end. But that begs the question – why so soon? The Lakers selected the former Bruin guard with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft after Ball put together a historic freshman season for UCLA in which he averaged 14.6 […]

Around the League: Feb. 5

Men’s basketball Sam Connon, assistant Sports editor The Pac-12 hasn’t had a team ranked inside the top 25 since New Year’s Eve. That five-week streak was extended to six when the AP polls were released Monday, but not without a close call from the Huskies. Washington men’s basketball (18-4, 9-0 Pac-12) was just seven points […]

3-point shot struggles, turnover troubles doom men’s basketball against Washington

The Bruins had no answer to the Husky offense. UCLA men’s basketball (12-10, 5-4 Pac-12) fell 69-55 to Washington (18-4, 9-0) on Saturday in Seattle. Both teams shot 42.6 percent from the field but the Bruins hit only 26.7 percent from 3 – nearly 20 percent behind the Huskies’ 45.8 percent from deep. Coming off its […]

Despite early lead, men’s basketball trails Washington at half after 18 turnovers

The Bruins let turnovers get the best of them. After turning the ball over 18 times, UCLA men’s basketball (12-9, 5-3 Pac-12) is down 31-23 to Washington (17-4, 8-0) at the half in Seattle. Despite an early 10-1 run, the Bruins could not fall into an offensive rhythm, shooting 43.5 percent from the field and […]

Men’s basketball given opportunity to end Washington’s win streak at matchup

The Bruins have a chance to do something no other Pac-12 team has done this season – beat the Huskies. UCLA men’s basketball (12-9, 5-3 Pac-12) will visit Washington (17-4, 8-0) in the final leg of its two-game trip to the Northwest on Saturday. The Bruins have won each of the last three meetings between […]

Men’s basketball gets second road win 87-67 against Washington State

The Bruins have their second road win of the season. UCLA men’s basketball (12-9, 5-3 Pac-12) cruised to an 87-67 victory over Washington State (8-13, 1-7) on Wednesday night for its second straight win. It was also the Bruins’ fifth straight win over the Cougars. UCLA shot a blistering 59 percent from the floor, and […]

Men’s basketball leads Washington State 44-37 at half time away

The Bruins are off to a quick start in Washington. UCLA men’s basketball (11-9, 4-3 Pac-12) leads Washington State (8-12, 1-6) 44-37 at the half in the opening contest of a two-game road swing to the Northwest. Despite the Cougars holding the Bruins scoreless for the game’s first three minutes, UCLA finished the half shooting […]