They’re Fond of the Pond

With a victory over Oklahoma State on Saturday night, UCLA extended its unbeaten streak in the Wooden Classic to four games in five years, dating to a last-second 82-81 victory over Kentucky in the tournament’s 1994 debut. Bruin players say it’s not so much the name as the location: They feel comfortable in the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim and play accordingly.

Earl Watson, who had a career-high nine rebounds in a victory over New Mexico last season, returned to tie a season high with six assists against Oklahoma State. Sophomore forward Travis Reed, who scored a career-high 14 points last season, came off the bench Saturday for 12 points, five rebounds and two steals.

“I love the Pond,” Reed said. “It’s like a second home here.”

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Not everything went right for UCLA on Saturday. In a game that featured strong defensive play from both teams, the Bruins shot 46% from the field. They had season lows in three-point shooting (12%) and free-throw shooting (46%).

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Though the players said they were prompted to play harder after watching the football team lose to Miami, none were happy about that outcome.

Baron Davis said he was “devastated.” Watson, his backcourt mate, said: “I was very upset. We were all upset because we’re really close to those guys. They have a great team, so it’s sad to see that happen to them.”