Former longtime scorekeeper dies at 89

Michael Marienthal, a former scorer for UCLA men’s basketball, passed away due to heart issues on Wednesday. He was 89. A former Marine, Marienthal retired from the scorekeeper’s table in 1996 after serving for 50 years. He witnessed all 11 of the Bruins’ national championships and was inducted into the UCLA Hall of Fame in 1990.

Marienthal also played football at UCLA and was part of the school’s first Rose Bowl Game appearance in 1943. He then joined the Marines in the midst of World War II, losing his left leg in Okinawa in 1945. Continue reading “Former longtime scorekeeper dies at 89” »

Adidas unveils camo sleeves, shorts

Well, that’s … bold. Adidas introduced daring new alternate looks for six basketball programs Tuesday, continuing what’s become a norm in college athletics. UCLA will be among those donning camouflage-patterned shorts, joining Baylor, Cincinnati, No. 21 Notre Dame, No. 10 Louisville, No. 6 Kansas.

UCLA, Baylor and Louisville’s new alternates also feature camo sleeves. The Bruins last attempt at an uniform change didn’t go very well, using an all-blue look during a home overtime loss to USC. They’ll wear this latest edition at least once during the Pac-12 tournament.

UPDATE: A UCLA spokesperson said players were presented with uniform concepts in advance and loved them.


UCLA vs. ASU: What to Watch

UCLA (20-7, 10-4) vs. ASU (20-8, 9-6)
Tipoff:
8:30 p.m., Pauley Pavilion
TV/Radio: Pac-12 Networks/AM 570

At a glance: UCLA had one of its worst games of the season against Arizona State, a 78-60 laugher in Tempe Tucson that sucked all the goodwill from the Bruins’ upset of Arizona. Many players said they’re still using that game as motivation, similar to the way they did Sunday in avenging their home loss to USC.

ASU has been inconsistent, but needs a win to keep its NCAA tournament hopes alive. Ben Howland said this week he expects the Sun Devils — projected as one of the last teams out of the field of 68 — to play with that sort of desperate attitude. Continue reading “UCLA vs. ASU: What to Watch” »

NFL Combine Roundup

The can’t-miss moment of the NFL Combine was SBNation’s glorious video of linemen running the 40-yard dash to “Chariots of Fire.” UCLA’s Jeff Baca makes an appearance 20 seconds in. Watch it if you haven’t already.

If you’re looking for something more substantive, here are the results from the Bruins’ workouts. Continue reading “NFL Combine Roundup” »