UCLA reeling after 2 losses to mid-majors

By Beth Harris

Associated Press

Published: Wednesday, Nov. 16 2011 2:55 p.m. MST

UCLA forward Reeves Nelson (22) attempts to get by Loyola Marymount guard Jarred DuBois, right and forward Godwin Okonji (22) as he drives to the basket during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Friday, Nov. 11, 2011, in Los Angeles. Loyola Marymount won 69-58.

Gus Ruelas, Associated Press

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Summary

In the span of four surprising days, UCLA went from being a Top 25 team tabbed to win the Pac-12 title to 0-2. The Bruins have staggered out of the gate with double-digit losses to two mid-majors and the suspension of starter Reeves Nelson for his bad attitude.

LOS ANGELES — In the span of four surprising days, UCLA went from being a Top 25 team tabbed to win the Pac-12 title to 0-2. The Bruins have staggered out of the gate with double-digit losses to two mid-majors and the suspension of starter Reeves Nelson for his bad attitude.

The Bruins are 0-2 for the first time since 2002-03, when they lost to San Diego and Duke to start coach Steve Lavin's final season in Westwood.

Their latest setback was an 86-66 loss to Middle Tennessee State on Tuesday night in which the Blue Raiders shot 71 percent from the floor and made 10-of-11 3-pointers.

Coach Ben Howland says the Bruins are "a long way" from being a good team. Things could get even worse next week, when UCLA plays in the Maui Invitational.

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