COLLEGE BASKETBALL / DAILY REPORT : Wooden Classic to Feature UCLA, Maryland, Purdue and Villanova
UCLA will face Maryland and two-time Big Ten champion Purdue will meet Villanova in the second John R. Wooden Classic at The Pond of Anaheim next Dec. 9, it was announced Monday.
In the inaugural Wooden Classic Dec. 3, a sellout 18,303 watched the Bruins defeat Kentucky, 82-81, on two last-second free throws by freshman J.R. Henderson, and Kansas beat then top-ranked Massachusetts, 81-75.
“I’m pleased to see my alma mater, Purdue, involved in the Classic, and this fine Villanova team induces fond memories of my ’71 UCLA squad, which defeated Villanova for the national championship,†Wooden said in a news release. “Along with a strong Maryland team, this field ensures the event will again feature the highest caliber of collegiate play and coaching.â€
Wooden, 85, coached UCLA to 10 NCAA championships in a 12-year span before retiring in 1975.
The Bruins will be shooting for their first national championship in 20 years this weekend in Seattle. They are 29-2 going into Friday’s semifinal game against Oklahoma State. Maryland finished 26-8, losing to Connecticut in a third-round tournament game. Purdue (25-7) lost to Memphis in the second round. Villanova (26-8) was upset by Old Dominion in the first round.
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