Bruins Drop Pac-10 Opener

STANFORD 24 - UCLA 16

Not UCLA's prettiest game. Kevin Craft was 22-for-34 in pass attempts as the Bruins fell in their Pac-10 opener against the Cardinal. The ground game was terrible, with UCLA collecting only 98 yards while the defense allowed 176 rushing yards. The third-down conversion rate was also starkly different, as the Bruins were 2-for-7 while Stanford was 7-for-13.

Photo courtesy of the Associated Press

USC Comes in Fourth in Pre-Season Poll

The USC Trojans came in fourth in the USA Today Poll, coming behind Oklahoma, Texas and Florida. The Trojans received one first-place vote. The UCLA Bruins finished with just a mere 14 points. The Associated Press poll will be released this Saturday.

2009 NBA Draft: Nothing Unexpected

In the 2009 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Clippers used their first overall pick to select PF Blake Griffin from Oklahoma. Griffin is 6-foot-10, and was the College Player of the Year last season. His selection though creates a problem for the Clippers, who have four power-forwards/centers already in their lineup. Los Angeles is expected to trade either Chris Kaman, Marcus Camby or Zach Randolph. The Lakers had no first-round pick for the second straight year, this time selling it to New York for $3 million.

The first round went as follows:

1. Los Angeles Clippers: Blake Griffin, PF, Oklahoma
2. Memphis: Hasheem Thabeet, C, Connecticut
3. Oklahoma City: James Harden, SG, Arizona State
4. Sacramento: Tyreke Evans, SG, Memphis
5. Minnesota (from Washington): Ricky Rubio, PG, Spain
6. Minnesota: Jonny Flynn, PG, Syracuse
7. Golden State: Stephen Curry, PG, Davidson
8. New York: Jordan Hill, PF, Arizona
9. Toronto: DeMar DeRozan, SG, USC
10. Milwaukee: Brandon Jennings, PG, Compton/Italy
11. New Jersey: Terrence Williams, SG, Louisville
12. Charlotte: Gerald Henderson, SG, Duke
13. Indiana: Tyler Hansbrough, PF, North Carolina
14. Phoenix: Earl Clark, SF, Louisville
15. Detroit: Austin Daye, SF, Gonzaga
16. Chicago: James Johnson, PF, Wake Forest
17. Philadelphia: Jrue Holiday, PG, UCLA
18. Minnesota (from Miami): Ty Lawson, PG, North Carolina (traded to Denver for future first-round pick)
19. Atlanta: Jeff Teague, PG, Wake Forest
20. Utah: Eric Maynor, PG, VCU
21. New Orleans: Darren Collison, PG, UCLA
22. Portland (from Dallas): Victor Claver, PF, Spain
23. Sacramento (from Houston): Omri Casspi, SF, Israel
24. Dallas (from Portland): B.J. Mullens, C, Ohio State (traded to OKC for Beaubois)
25. Oklahoma City (from San Antonio): Rodrigue Beaubois, PG, France (traded to Dallas for Mullens and future second-round pick)
26. Chicago (from Denver via OKC): Taj Gibson, PF, USC
27. Memphis (from Orlando): DeMarre Carroll, PF, Missouri
28. Minnesota (from Boston): Wayne Ellington, SG, North Carolina
29. Los Angeles Lakers: Toney Douglas, SG, Florida State (traded to New York for 2011 second-round pick and $3 million)
30. Cleveland: Christian Eyenga, SG, Congo

Despite trading the first-round pick, the Lakers had two second-round picks, one from a trade with Charlotte for Kareem Rush back in 2004. With the 42nd overall pick, the Purple and Gold selected Patrick Beverley, who played most recently in the Ukraine in addition to Arkansas. The Lakers then sold his contract to Miami for $1.5 million and a future second-round pick. With the 59th overall pick, the Lakers chose Chinemelu Elonu, a center of Texas A&M.

The main talk of the draft was who be chosen by Memphis at number two. Many believed it would be highly-touted Spanish guard Ricky Rubio, while others thought Hasheem Thabeet would be chosen. Not only was Thabeet the number-two pick, Rubio fell to #5. Minnesota had an astonishing four different picks in the draft, and what's even more shocking was that they used each one to draft a guard. Conventional wisdom says a trade is in the works...

College Basketball: Gordon Injures Knee, USC Narrows Choices

UCLA's Drew Gordon injured his right knee during tryouts for USA Basketball's Under-19 team. He partially tore the patellar tendon. His status for the beginning of the season is uncertain, as Gordon may require surgery.

The Athletic Director of USC will interview Reggie Theus for the head-coaching position of the men's basketball team. Theus previously coached the New Mexico State men's team and the Sacramento Kings of the NBA. The Trojans are also considering Jamie Dixon, coach of Pittsburgh.

It's Official: Holiday Enters Draft

Jrue Holiday opted to enter the NBA draft rather than return to UCLA. The guard plans on signing with an agent, a move that will make it impossible to return to college basketball. Jrue announced previously that he would enter the draft, but chose not to select an agent in order to have more time to think about his options. Holiday has undergone workouts with the Sacramento Kings in addition to Chicago, New York, Milwaukee, and Phoenix.

A Prince is Crowned

Coach Rick Neuheisal named Kevin Prince as UCLA's starting quarterback for the 2009 season. Prince is a redshirt freshman who competed with Kevin Craft and Richard Brehaut for the job. Craft was the starter last season, getting the job after injuries piled up on first-string QB Ben Olson and second-string Patrick Cowan. Prince has had a decent spring practice, completing 11 of 24 passes with 134 yards, one touchdown and one turnover.

Holiday, Others Declare For Draft

UCLA's freshman guard Jrue Holiday (above) declared for the NBA draft yesterday. However, he will not hire an agent, choosing to retain his eligibility to return to the NCAA. Holiday enters the draft along with USC's DeMar DeRozan, Daniel Hackett, and Taj Gibson. All three players are highly expected to declare for the draft soon, with Hackett hiring an agent, preventing him from returning to the Trojans. The LA Times reports that Gibson is considering entering the draft, but is not thinking of hiring an agent.

Bruins Suffer Super-Nova

The UCLA Bruins fell to Villanova 89-69, and are consequently eliminated from the NCAA Tournament. UCLA was just 20-for-47 from the field, while the Wildcats were 31-for-67. The Bruins committed 18 turnovers and were out-rebounded 39-26. The loss snapped UCLA's streak of three-straight Final Four berth's. Josh Shipp had 18 points, and Darren Collison added 15. No other Bruin scored in double-figures. Six of Villanova's players scored double-digits, led by Dante Cunningham with 18 points. Corey Fisher and Reggie Redding each added 13 points for the Wildcats.

Bruins Hold Off VCU

The UCLA Bruins defeated Virginia Commonwealth 65-64, and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. UCLA and the Rams went back and forth, but VCU could not grab a lead in the second half despite keeping the game close. Both schools matched statistic for statistic, including shooting percentage, turnovers, and rebounds. However, Virginia Commonwealth went 18-for-25 at the free-throw line. Josh Shipp led the Bruins with 16 points and 8 rebounds, and Jrue Holiday added 13 points. Eric Maynor had 21 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds for VCU.

Editor's Note: Let the Games Begin

The NCAA Tourney kicks off tomorrow, and the overflow of info truly begins. CBS has round-the-clock coverage of every game, and will no doubt cover every possible outcome, right down to the leading scorer in the semi-finals. Every bracket will be scrutinized and created, with the predictable saying UConn or North Carolina leaves victorious or the outrageous saying CSUN walks away with the trophy. No brackets will be predicted here, though I will give you a hint as to who I think will win: the school's coach became enraged when questioned over his salary. As I watch with a UCLA pennant in one hand and a USC foam-finger in the other, the mere pageantry of the tournament is enough to entertain me. The greatest sporting event in American is about to begin, and I will turn off all the sports pundits breaking down each regional. For me, it's about what happens, not what could.

USC and UCLA Enter Tourney

Both the Trojans and the Bruins will compete in the NCAA Tournament. USC will be the 10th seed in the Midwest Regional, and will play Boston College. UCLA is the 6th seed in the East Regional, and will play Virginia Commonwealth.

Fight On: Trojans Upset Bruins to Advance to Pac-10 Finals

The USC Trojans defeated the rival UCLA Bruins 65-55 in the semifinals of the Pac-10 tournament, and advance to the finals against Arizona State. The victory gives USC a legitimate claim to an NCAA tournament berth, but a win today would make a berth automatic. The Trojans controlled most of the game, going into halftime leading 33-28. UCLA went 19-for-70 during the game, while USC had a .511 shooting percentage. The Bruins kept creeping up, including when the second half opened and Josh Shipp his a 3-pointer to bring UCLA within 2. However, a 13-6 run by the Trojans opened the gap. DeMar DeRozan led USC with 21 points, and Taj Gibson had 13 points and 11 rebounds before he fouled out. Shipp led the Bruins with 19 pionts, and Nikola Dragovic added 12.

Pac-10 Tourney - Round 1

USC - The Trojans knocked off the California Golden Bears to advance to the semifinals 79-75. Daniel Hackett hit four late free-throws in the final 3.8 seconds of the game to lift USC. The Trojans nearly lost an 18-point lead after Cal tied the score at 75, but with Hackett's free-throws, the Bears could not keep up. Taj Gibson led USC with 21 points and 16 rebounds, and DeMar DeRozan had 16 points and 11 rebounds. Hackett finished with 15 points, and Dwight Lewis added 11. Patrick Christopher led Cal with 15 points, and Jorge Gutierrez added 14.

UCLA - The Bruins took down Washington State 64-53, and will advance to the semifinals. UCLA took a 21-0 run through the first half to take a 20-point lead, and the Cougars shot just 30% from the field. The win avenged an 82-81 loss at home last month. Darren Collison led the Bruins with 15 points, and Nikola Dragovic added 12. Both Josh Shipp and Jrue Holiday had 10. Aron Baynes led WSU with 22 points.

USC and UCLA will play each other in the second round of the Pac-10 tournament.

College Basketball Roundup - Last Game

UCLA - The Bruins blew out Oregon 94-68, but finished the season in the second seed after Washington defeated Washington State to win the Pac-10 title. The Bruins forced 16 turnovers, and scored 47 points in each half. The Ducks were out-rebounded 43-22, and shot .388 from the field. Josh Shipp had a career-high 28 points, and Darren Collison scored 19 as UCLA finished the game shooting .569. Drew Wiley led Oregon with 18 points. The Bruins will compete against the winner of the play-in game to open the Pac-10 tournament.

USC - The Trojans defeated Oregon State 68-52, and finish the season with an 18-12 overall record. USC used a 21-4 run to take the lead for good, and will play California in the Pac-10 tournament. The Trojans shot .521 from the field, while the Beavers finished shooting .385. Daniel Hackett led USC with 17 points, DeMar DeRozan had 16, and Taj Gibson finished with 14. Seth Tarver led OSU with 16 points.

College Basketball Roundup - Oregon Pt. 3

UCLA - The Bruins stayed alive in the Pac-10 title race after defeating Oregon State 79-54, but can only share the title with Washington, and that can only happen if UCLA wins against Oregon and the Huskies lose to Washington State. The Bruins shot 58.5 from the field. Josh Shipp had a career-high 27 points, 22 coming in the first half, and Darren Collison finished with 6 points, 8 assists, and a career-high 11 rebounds.

USC - The Trojans kept their NCAA Tournament hopes alive by defeating Oregon 80-66, as well as avoiding the Pac-10 play-in game. USC outscored the Ducks 16-4 to close out the game after holding on to a 2 point lead with four minutes left. DeMar DeRozan had 19 points, Taj Gibson finished with 18 and 7 rebounds, and Daniel Hackett had 17 points. Tajuan Porter led Oregon with 20 points.

College Basketball Roundup - No. California Pt. 4

UCLA - The Bruins defeated California 72-68, keeping them in the race for the Pac-10 title. However, if they do win, they will have to share the title with Washington, who can clinch the title next week by defeating Washington State. UCLA had only 6 turnovers. Darren Collison hit the game-winning shot, and led all scorers with 22 points. Jerome Randle led the Bears with 20 points.

USC - The Trojans fell to Stanford 75-63, their sixth loss in seven games. USC took a serious hit in its bid for an NCAA tournament berth. The Trojans blew a 10 point lead with just 13 minutes left. Taj Gibson had 19 points and 9 rebounds to lead USC, and DeMar DeRozan scored 14 points. Anthony Goods led the Cardinal with 20 points.

College Basketball Roundup - No. California Pt. 3

UCLA - The Bruins defeated Stanford 76-71, their 10th conference win of the season. UCLA made a big comeback after the Cardinal had a 14 point lead in the first-half. Josh Shipp had 23 points, and Alfred Aboya finished with 16. Anthony Goods led Stanford with 18 points, and Landry Fields had 16. The victory kept the Bruins in the race for the Pac-10 title.

USC - The Trojans fell to California 81-78 in overtime, their 8 conference loss of the season. The loss is USC's fifth in their last six games. The Bears gave up a 10 point lead, but used the OT to pull away. Daniel Hackett had 26 points and 4 assists for the Trojans, and Patrick Christopher scored a career-high 29 points for the Golden Bears.

Bruins Left in Ruins

The UCLA men's basketball team was upset by Washington State 82-81, their 5th conference loss of the season. This was the Cougars first road victory against the Bruins since 2005. The two teams entered the second half tied at 42, and both shot above 50%, with UCLA committing only 6 turnovers. The Bruins were just 3-for-10 from three-point range, while the Cougars were 8-for-15, including 5 for Taylor Rochestie, who finished with 33 points. Nikola Dragovic led UCLA with 23 points, and Darren Collison scored 20 and had 8 assists. Josh Shipp finished with 14, and Alfred Aboya had a double-double, scoring 13 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.

College Basketball Roundup - Washington Pt. 3

UCLA - The Bruins gained a game on the conference-leading Washington Huskies by defeating those same Huskies 85-76, their 9th Pac-10 win of the season. Washington shot a season-low 10 free-throws, a direct opposite of when the two teams met earlier in the season where they took 43 trips to the charity stripe. Alfred Aboya fought flu during the week, and still suffered the effects from it, but still finished with a double-double, 13 points and 11 rebounds. Josh Shipp led the Bruins with 20 points, Darren Collison scored 17, and Nikola Dragovic added 15. Justin Dentmon led the Huskies with 22 points and Jon Brockman finished with 16 points and 14 rebounds.

USC - The Trojans defeated Washington State 61-51, their 7th conference win and 16th of the season. USC nearly lost its 14 point second-half lead to just a one-point lead with 6 minutes left, but held on and increased the lead. Dwight Lewis scored 17 points for the Trojans, and Taj Gibson added 16 points and 8 rebounds. Taylor Rochestie led the Cougars with 16 points, and Caleb Forrest added 12.

Bruins Endure Desert Sweep

The UCLA men's basketball team fell to Arizona 84-72, and were swept out of the state of Arizona for the first time since 2005. The Wildcats' victory helped them sweep Los Angeles, as two days ago they defeated USC. Arizona shot 50% from the field and scored 49 points in the first half. The Bruins could not overcome their disastrous first-half, committing 14 turnovers. UCLA took had only 7 free-throw attempts, while Arizona had 30 opportunities at the charity stripe. Darren Collison scored 26 points to lead UCLA, and Josh Shipp was the only other Bruin to score in double-figures with 18 points. Nic Wise led the Wildcats with 26 points, and Jordan Hill had 22 points and 13 rebounds. Chase Budinger followed with 17 points.