Bruins Bites: Oregon Game Day Edition

Even though Ben Howland is gone, playing at Oregon  one has to think that former Bruin Mike Moser will be up for the game.  However, the reality is that is the play of another "ex-Bruin"  will likely be a key to the game.  Oregon's sometime starting point guard Johnathan Loyd broke his nose and won't play or be limited.  This means former UCLA recruit, who de-committed in part because of Anderson as a point guard, Dominic Artis, will be the starter.  Artis started recently after being suspended for selling shoes.

Jack Wang has a tidbit about which Tony Parker will show up against Oregon.  Parker was great against Stanford but a non-factor in foul trouble against UC Berkeley in his up-and-down season.

Wang has more notes here about how according to Steve Alford Oregon plays very fast and "a lot of guards."  I wonder if UCLA will play the big four more as a result?  This is a must win game for the former number 10 in the nation and now 2-5 in the PAC 12 Ducks.

Altman counters Alford's comments by heaping praise on the likely PAC 12 MVP Kyle Anderson.

"Kyle is so versatile," Altman said. "He can give you so many different looks, whether it's ball-handling, passing skills and the ability to see over the defense. He moves the ball well and has great instincts. He creates problems whether it's shooting the three or setting up teammates. There is not anybody in this league who is like him."

One thing is for sure both teams like to score and UCLA should be able to keep its scoring average up.  From the official notes: "The Bruins have averaged 84.3 points through 20 games, the program's highest per game offensive output through the first 20 games in any season since averaging 86.2 ppg after 20 games in 1994-95, the last year in which UCLA won the NCAA Championship. "

A bit of news for the future of UCLA basketball as well.  Kevon Looney and Thomas Welsh were selected to play in the McDonalds All American game on April 2.  Looney was a lock and will be a good replacement for the rebounding of Kyle as a four next year.  Welsh's pick is a bit surprising and encouraging for UCLA fans.