It’s been over a year since the Oregon basketball team defeated then-No. 1 UCLA at McArthur Court last year.
The memories are still fresh in the Ducks’ minds, but they’re not about to reminisce about it for too long – lest they be reminded of a particular Oregon player that won the game. Coach Ernie Kent hasn’t watched too much tape of last year’s game for that reason.
“If I started doing too much of that, I start looking at that other guy that’s on the tape that did a lot to knock off that team,” Kent said. “This is a different basketball team.”
Senior guard Bryce Taylor said the team hasn’t talked much about last year’s game, but said Aaron Brooks’ game-winning shot will be a part of Oregon lore forever.
“It’s a different team and we’re at a different place right now,” Taylor said.
While the Ducks are still trying to replace Brooks’ heroics, the No. 8 Bruins have had some new faces help offset the loss of last year’s leading scorer Arron Afflalo.
Freshman center and Lake Oswego native Kevin Love has led UCLA in scoring and rebounding, averaging 16.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game.
“He might be one of the more dominant big men (in the league) in terms of his skill level,” Kent said. “Kevin has great hands, he’s got a great feel to score the basketball, he’s a great offensive rebounder. And he’s 270 pounds. He’s going to be a load down there for Maarty (Leunen) to handle.”
For Leunen, who competed against Love once in high school, it provides yet another tough challenge for the forward who’s had to stack up against the league’s best on a regular basis. While Love has around a 50-pound advantage on Leunen, Love’s quickness and stamina have been his weak points this season and are areas Leunen wants to exploit.
“I have to make sure I beat him to the spots – use my quickness to get in front and eliminate his touches,” Leunen said.
Sophomore forward Joevan Catron, who has missed the Ducks past six games with a foot injury, was back in practice Tuesday and expects to play against the Bruins, giving Oregon a much-needed physical presence inside to help deal with Love.
“It’ll be nice to have his energy back out there,” Kent said.

Two Bruins doubtful

On Wednesday, UCLA coach Ben Howland announced that Luc Richard Mbah a Moute and Lorenzo Mata-Real are doubtful to play against Oregon after suffering from concussions sustained against USC last Saturday.
Mbah a Moute is averaging 9.5 points and 5.2 rebounds this seasons as a starter while Mata-Real averages 3.6 points and 4.7 points in a reserve role.

EA Sports in attendance

Developers for EA Sports NCAA March Madness video game will be at Mac Court for Thursday’s game to collect photos, videos and audio to replicate the Oregon’s basketball court for their game franchise.
While Mac Court will be in next year’s version of the game, the producers have set up a contest with Oregon and four other schools in an online poll. If Mac Court receives the most votes in the online poll, it will be available as a free download before the NCAA Tournament in March.
The other schools competing are Virginia, USC, Arkansas, Georgia Tech and Purdue.
Pit Crew President Daniel Cogan wants all students to wear yellow, stand up and be as loud as possible throughout the game to give EA Sports a good idea of what it’s like to play at Mac Court.
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