Guys, guys! We’re number two in the country! As Steve Alford said in his press conference, the men’s basketball team needs to focus on the next 120 minutes before moving onto conference play. I’d say the first 40 minutes went pretty well, with a 40 point trouncing of UCSB Wednesday night. Now, onto Ohio State in the CBS Sports Classic this weekend in Vegas. UCLA has won the last four games against Ohio State, including the last meeting on March 13, 1980 in Tucson, a 72-68 win for UCLA in the NCAA Regional Semifinals. The Buckeyes are coming off of their lowest season in head coach Thad Matta's tenure, which ended with a second-round NIT loss. When asked about moving on in the 2016 season, Matta told The Lantern back in October, “I think this team is going to be a team where guys are going to have roles,” he said. “And they’re going to have to embrace the role. They’re going to have to do their job every time they take the floor.” Unfortunately, they’ve still been inconsistent this season across the board, with losses to Florida Atlantic and a close one to then number six Virginia. There are a few bright spots, with an offense that is improving and players posting better statistics.
