UCLA takes a ratings hit after Arizona State loss

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

No one expected UCLA to go undefeated this season, but Saturday’s loss to Arizona State was especially painful given that the Bruins appeared to have the game in hand before going stagnant on offense, failing to score in the final eight minutes of regulation, then falling in overtime. It cost them in the polls.

The Associated Press poll dropped them from No. 9 to No. 13 this week. The ESPN/USA Today poll knocked them down from No. 7 to No. 11.

A win would have put UCLA alone atop the Pacific 10. Instead, the Bruins stand among three teams -- the others are California and Washington -- with one loss in conference play.

Coach Ben Howland took the blame for Saturday’s defeat, saying his starters played too many minutes and might have worn down at the end. Just as important, the Bruins stopped attacking Arizona State’s zone defense, settling for long-range jump shots.

This isn’t the first time Howland’s defense-first philosophy has prompted questions. Critics have wondered if his squad needs more scoring punch to win critical games. They have suggested that Howland is too concerned with turnovers and transition defense and unwilling to let his players gamble on offense.

‘It’s not all his fault,’ guard Darren Collison said in defense of his coach. ‘Everybody has to look in the mirror.’

Swingman Josh Shipp added: ‘We’re going to learn from this game. We’ve got veteran guys so we can bounce back.’

-- David Wharton