COMMENTARY: UCLA reminds nation it's a stern foe

By JAY PARIS | Thursday, March 13, 2008 11:47 PM PDT ∞

UCLA's Lorenzo Mata-Real rejects a shot by Cal's Nikola Knezevic during the Bruins' 88-66 rout in the Pac-10 Conference tournament.

LOS ANGELES ---- UCLA got out of the theater business at the Pac-10 Conference tournament matinee on Thursday.

Instead of drama, the Bruins produced dominance. Instead of a nail-biter, they delivered a laugher. Instead of hoping for a kind whistle, they blew out an opponent.

"We wanted to prove how good of a team we were,'' freshman center Kevin Love said after UCLA beat California 88-66. "Some people were questioning that. But we knew, at the end of the day, if we play our style of basketball, we can do some damage on some teams.''

It was the No. 3 Bruins' reputation that took a hit last week in close wins over Stanford and Cal.

The Bruins entered this extravaganza at Staples Center as the No. 1 seed. On their resume, however, were two late regular-season victories that came courtesy of a sling (knocking down Stanford giants Brook and Robin Lopez) and a prayer (Josh Shipp's miracle shot from behind the backboard against the Bears).

"Everyone wants to beat the team that is on top, so we are getting everybody's best game,'' UCLA coach Ben Howland said. "We understand that. But it shows our team ... they never give up, they never quit.''

The Bruins (29-3) needed no such luck, good fortune ---- whatever ---- against an overmatched Cal squad that was chirping for a rematch. Instead, it got a UCLA bunch with a hunch that its "A" game would show up.

These weren't the same Bruins who looked flat for stretches last week. Instead, it was like the price of a gallon of gas ---- sky high, baby.

"It's a whole new season,'' Love said. "The sense of urgency has to step up. You lose one game in this tournament, and you're out; the next tournament, and your season is done.''

That proved to be the carrot in front of Howland's stick: Clobber Cal, men, and you've likely secured the NCAA West Regional's top seed. That would mean a short jaunt to Anaheim for the first two rounds, then a short flight to Arizona for the regional final.

"I thought we were real excited to play,'' Howland said. "We were ready.''

Cal aimed to make it 10 straight years with a win over UCLA ---- it eliminated the Bruins here last season. But after Wednesday's thrilling victory over Washington, the Bears roared little in the quarterfinals. They trailed 16-4 after seven minutes, 39-25 at halftime.

What made the first 20 minutes impressive ---- and scary to UCLA rivals ---- was Love being anchored to the bench. Saddled with two fouls, he played but six minutes. While chilling, he watched Lorenzo Mata-Real knock the hyphen out of the Bears.

"I felt like my old self,'' said Mata-Real, who had four blocks and eight points. "It is a confidence boost.''

Added Love: "He lifted our team.''

It's a team with unfinished business. As grand as those consecutive Final Four appearances look in the media guide, the Bruins fell short each time. They're bent on returning and coming home with more than a goodie bag.

But that's down the line. First is tonight's tussle with USC, which split the season series with UCLA.

"We're playing our crosstown rival,'' Howland said. "USC is a very, very good team, and obviously they will be very motivated to beat us.''

But the Bruins will fight on, with an opportunity to put their stamp on a basketball rivalry that's beginning to attract some football luminaries.

Ex-USC quarterback Matt Leinart attended the Trojans' win over Arizona State on Thursday ---- we know he likes USC women's basketball ---- and new UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel took in the Bruins' conquest.

Neuheisel enviously watched Love's length-of-the-court heave in the second half for one of his four assists in 19 minutes. If Love doesn't leave for the NBA after this season, maybe he could he fling the ball for Neuheisel, too.

But it was the Bruins who passed on getting help from refs or a higher calling to prevail in 40 minutes. They were fine letting their talent flourish.

"We're not losing games,'' said Love, who had three 3-pointers. "That is not our style, not my style. We want to win every game possible. I don't want another 'L' the rest of the season.''

If UCLA continues to play like it did Thursday, Love might get his wish.

"Whether we're winning by two points or 20-30 points, we want to win every game ---- that is what great teams do,'' he said. "Never give up, and you've seen that the last week.''

The sight wasn't comforting to nervous Bruins fans. But the players' focus is making their March Madness mark. And that's good theater, no matter how they do it.

Contact staff writer Jay Paris at jparis8@aol.com. Comment at sports.nctimes.com.