Bruins Are Taken to School by Ducks

EUGENE, Ore. —  Never underestimate the value of a college education.

The deductive abilities of the occupants of the rambunctious student section at McArthur Court on Saturday were nothing short of uncanny.

Early on, the students figured out this is Steve Lavin’s last road game as UCLA coach, holding up signs that suggested such future employment opportunities as Pennzoil salesman, a reference to his slicked-back hair.

Later they chanted “One more year, one more year.”

But Lavin went to college too, and he knew that wasn’t directed at him.

His farewell happened to coincide with what probably will be Luke Ridnour’s last home game. And the junior point guard did his best to make it a joyous occasion, posting 21 points and eight assists in a 79-48 romp over the Bruins in front of 9,087, the 10th capacity crowd here this season.

In Pacific 10 Conference circles, it’s a secret as poorly kept as the impending Bruin coaching change -- Ridnour is expected to declare for the NBA draft.

Oregon Coach Ernie Kent acknowledged as much with under two minutes to play when he inserted Ridnour before two free throws by UCLA’s Ray Young, only to remove him after the first shot.

The fans erupted as if they knew they were sending off the all-conference player who has led Oregon (20-7, 10-6 in the Pac-10) to its first back-to-back 20-victory seasons since 1937-38 and 1938-39.

Ridnour said he has not decided whether to return or turn pro.

“It was cool to hear how much they appreciate me and the other players,” he said. “I haven’t had time to think about the future. There’s too much season left.”

UCLA (7-18, 4-12) played as if the season had ended weeks ago, falling behind, 13-0, making 14 of 57 shots (24.6%) and scoring fewer points than in any game since a loss to Gonzaga in 1999.

The Bruins, clearly unnerved by the boisterous crowd, were so cold they couldn’t have thrown a pebble into the nearby Willamette River.

“That was an unnatural game,” forward Andre Patterson said. “We can’t let a game like this bother us.”

The Bruins reminded one another they had gained a split on the trip and remain in contention for a berth in the Pac-10 tournament. They recalled that their game here last season was hardly better, a 91-62 loss.

Every Bruin struggled. Young led the team with 10 points but took 12 tries to make three shots.

Oregon made 14 three-point baskets with Ridnour and James Davis hitting four each. The Ducks made eight in the first half, including three during their 13-0 opening blitz.

UCLA did not score until its 11th possession, the first 10 ending in seven missed shots and three turnovers.

“For a while it was Don Larsen throwing a perfect game,” Lavin cracked.

After six scoreless minutes, Patterson made two free throws. More than a minute later, T.J. Cummings scored the first basket on a putback, making the score 19-4.

The Ducks began hurrying long-range shots and scored only 16 more points over the next 14 minutes. But the Bruins’ poor ball movement kept them from creeping closer than 12.

During a TV timeout near the end, the students again turned their attention to UCLA’s coach, chanting, “Goodbye Lavin.”

He wouldn’t look at them, but the students were as relentless as their team on the floor. The volume grew and the chant did not end until Lavin finally raised his hand and gave a wave.

*

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)

Really at a Loss

*--* * school record UCLA’s worst defeats under Steve Lavin: Margin Year Opponent and Result 48* 1997 at Stanford 109, UCLA 61 41 1997 North Carolina 109, UCLA 68 36 1998 at Duke 120, UCLA 84 36 2003 at Arizona 106, UCLA 70 35 2003 Arizona 87, at UCLA 52 31 2003 at Oregon 79, UCLA 48

*--*