UCLA pulled off a huge, emotional win on Saturday beating Arizona 71-49 in the final game at Pauley Pavilion before it undergoes renovations. The Bruins boat-raced the Wildcats, going up by double-digits and blowing them out in the second half. Reeves Nelson was unstoppable posting 27 points and 16 rebounds while Josh Smith added 17. With the win, UCLA is tied for first in the Pac-10 standings with Arizona and Thursday’s match in Seattle may be for the Pac-10 title.
The Bruins appeared to be emotionally charged the entire time knowing that this was the last game before the Pauley Pavilion remodeling. In the final minute, junior walkon Tyler Trapani got into the game and actually scored his first career points. Trapani, who is John Wooden’s great grandson, put back a missed three pointer for the final two points ever scored in the building. Wooden of course led the Bruins to 10 national championships, and two of his children were present for the final game. Trapani’s first career basket, and last ever at Pauley before the renovations, made Coach Ben Howland misty-eyed after the win:
In what’s been a rough two years for Bruins basketball and a time when many people, myself included, were questioning Ben Howland, this was the perfect storm of a great win, capped off by a meaningful moment. The wonderful ending to Pauley Pavilion truly helped bring the program and fans together at a time when we were unsure of its direction. Now, it feels like the guidance of John Wooden is still alive in Westwood.
Video via ESPN LA.
