The Bruins return to the hardwood for the first time in almost a month this afternoon when UCLA faces Long Beach State. (Photo Credit: Don Liebig/uclabruins.com)
This feels a bit weird because the Bruins are playing a non-conference opponent for the second time this season, but after nearly a month off due to COVID, UCLA returns to the hardwood tonight with a game against the Long Beach State 49ers.
The last time we saw the Bruins, they took care of business on the road in Milwaukee against Marquette. That game had been delayed due to the fact that UCLA’s plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Denver. UCLA ended up spending the night in Denver and flying to Milwaukee the next morning. It would have been reasonable if the Bruins suffered a little jet lag and ended up losing the game that night, but coach Mick Cronin’s squad was still able to beat the Eagles, 67-56.
No one knew what would happen next.
The team’s game against Alabama State was cancelled after it was announced that Cronin had COVID. More surprising was the fact that COVID then forced the cancellation of games against North Carolina and Cal Poly.
It also forced the postponement of games against the Arizona schools last week, but then ASU was prepared to come into Pauley last night until an outbreak in their program forced another postponement. Apparently, COVID ended up affecting all but three members of the program, making any team activity impossible until this week.
With Cronin wanting to get his team back on the court, UCLA quickly managed to schedule a game for this afternoon against the 49ers, who have also had a long layoff due to COVID.
So, this afternoon, the Bruins will host Long Beach State for the second time this season. UCLA has also closed attendance for today’s game to just families of team members
This is your Long Beach State at UCLA game thread.
#5 UCLA Men’s Basketball (8-1)
Opponent: Long Beach State 49ers (4-7)
Series Record: UCLA leads, 18-1
When: 4:30 pm PT, Thursday, January 6, 2021
Where: Pauley Pavilion, Los Angeles, CA
TV: Pac-12 Networks National and Los Angeles with Ted Robinson and Mike Montgomery
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How To Watch, Game Preview and Game Thread: Long Beach State 49ers at #5 UCLA Bruins
Happy New Year, Might Bruins! Hopefully we'll get to see this one!
Yay! Go Bruins! I hope we can finally get the season restarted!
saw a couple of the boys at in & out a few hours ago. Glad they are eating well before the game. Don't worry, they got protein style burgers!
Riley with the first bucket!
A basketball game is happening! I'm watching it with my own two eyes right now!
Julez!
25% from the line. Not good.
Tyger down. Oh no
Looks like they are finding their rhythm!
I think Tyger is ready to come back in. Whew
Jaime has his batteries!
Oh noes! I shouldn't have said anything!
Jaquez icing the ankle this half. Hope he’s alright
Monty sounds like a geezer complaining about 3s
I believe Kyman is going to be integral this season.
Oh miles, you gotta learn your position! I remember being agape watching the Laker Kareem dribbling the court like a PG, it wasn't pretty!
Nice move, Watson!
Tigers pounce!
Long Beach College?
Jules having another great game against Long Beach
Big Mac, big Mac, and Jaime back!
Good night, Bruins, I hope we are ready for Cal! Full strength, I mean.