UCLA thumps Cal, 81-66, to regain Pac-10 momentum

UCLA fell in the rankings earlier this week, but the sky is not falling in Westwood.

For 40 minutes, the No. 16/17 Bruins never fell behind an outmatched Cal team and finished with an 81-66 victory at Pauley Pavilion.

"I don't have a lot to complain about tonight," said Coach Ben Howland. "I'm pretty happy."

His delivery was deadpan, but his his team finally showed signs of life. The victory was just what UCLA needed after dropping two of three, and came against a legitimate Bears squad that was tied with the Bruins for second in the Pac-10 when the night started. It returned UCLA to their usual inertia-driven spot on top of the conference standings.

Listening to some of the whispers (or shouts, in the case of talk radio), there were growing doubts about this year's team. Perhaps they forgot that UCLA has won three straight conference championships and didn't clinch any of those until the final weekend of the season. Trying to predict the conference after last weekend was akin to calling a baseball pennant race on the 4th of July.

After last week's loss at Washington, it was hard to remember the last time UCLA was in second. In case you were wondering, it was just a week earlier. Remember ASU? It's early. These things happen.

In keeping with this "keep perspective" theme, Thursday night's victory was just one win and the Bruins still have to show a more impressive body of work in the coming month. Don't be surprised if they do it. Despite an experienced starting lineup, this is a young team ... one that should continue to develop as we get closer to tournament time. Scary thought for everybody else.

Spotted in the stands: UCLA legends John Wooden and Jamaal Wilkes.

—Adam Rose