Former UCLA, Olympic Women's Basketball Coach Billie Moore Dies at Age 79
Dec 15, 2022
Billie Moore, Head Coach for the University of California, Los Angeles UCLA Bruins during the NCAA Pac-10 Conference college basketball game against the Washington State Cougars on 3rd March 1991 at the Pauley Pavilion, Westwood, California, United States. (Photo by Gary Newkirk/Allsport/Getty Images)
Former UCLA, Cal State Fullerton and Team USA women's basketball coach Billie Moore died Wednesday at the age of 79.
According to ESPN's M.A. Voepel, Moore had been in hospice care at her California home because of cancer.
After playing basketball and softball in her youth, Moore's first big break in coaching came at Southern Illinois University where she served as an assistant women's basketball coach before becoming the head women's basketball coach at Cal State Fullerton in 1969.
Moore led Cal State Fullerton to a national championship in her first season there and went on to the Final Four of the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) tournament in 1972 and 1975 as well.
Her success at Cal State Fullerton led to Moore being named the head coach of the United States women's basketball team at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal.
In the debut of women's basketball at the Olympics, the Americans won a silver medal, losing 112-77 to the Soviet Union in the gold medal game.
The Olympic run catapulted Moore to the head coaching job for the women's basketball team at UCLA, and she once again experienced instant success, as the Bruins won the AIAW championship in her first season in 1977-78.
The AIAW tournament was the precursor to the NCAA women's basketball tournament, which became the preeminent tournament in women's college basketball in 1982.
With titles at Cal State Fullerton and UCLA, Moore became the first coach to lead two different schools to national championships in the history of major women's college basketball.
Moore also took UCLA to the Final Four in 1979 and had five more tourney appearances during her time at the school. Moore coached at UCLA from 1977 to 1993 and posted a 296-181 record, making her the winningest head coach in the history of UCLA women's basketball.
When adding in her time at Cal State Fullerton, Moore compiled a record of 436-196 as a college head coach.
Moore was recognized for her massive accomplishments in women's basketball in 1999 when she was inducted into both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and Women's Basketball Hall of Fame.
UCLA Legend Bill Walton Hopes School's Move to Big Ten from Pac-12 Is 'Rescinded'
Nov 1, 2022
SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 10: Bill Walton arrives on the red carpet during the 2022 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Symphony Hall on September 10, 2022 in Springfield, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Basketball Hall of Famer, UCLA legend and ESPN color commentator Bill Walton hopes his alma mater's impending move from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten in 2024 will be "rescinded."
Longtime Oregon sports columnist and commentator John Canzano reached out to Walton on the matter, and he responded four months later with a written statement expressing his strong feelings.
Of note, Walton said that the move will have a negative impact on the physical and mental health of UCLA student-athletes, citing the "exponential increase" in travel to face Big Ten teams.
USC will join UCLA in the Big Ten, making Nebraska their closest conference rival otherwise at roughly 1,500 miles away.
The Big Ten conference stretches as far west as Nebraska and as far east as Rutgers in New Jersey.
Walton also noted the negative impact on travel for family, friends, fans and alumni.
In addition, the 69-year-old said that the move would run counter to UCLA and the UC system's "professed environmental sustainability goals" and that it would also have a negative impact on a fellow UC school and Pac-12 team in Berkeley.
He also said that "increased costs of joining the Big Ten" would "negate the projected increased revenue assumptions of this proposed move."
Walton also cited the rest of the teams and student-athletes (outside football), wondering how many of them were "represented and willing participants in this proposed deal."
"This proposed move to the Big Ten, is all about football, and money," Walton wrote.
"What about all the other 24 sports and 600-plus student-athletes at UCLA, who are responsible for 99-plus percent of UCLA's national championships?"
The California native starred at UCLA from 1971-74, winning three straight National Player of the Year awards and two national titles under legendary head coach John Wooden. The 1971-72 and 1972-73 teams both went 30-0.
Former UCLA Basketball Player Jalen Hill Dies at Age 22
Sep 21, 2022
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: UCLA Bruins forward Jalen Hill (24) walks back up the court during the game between the Stanford Cardinal and the UCLA Bruins on January 15, 2020, at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by David Dennis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Former UCLA forward Jalen Hill has died at the age of 22.
Josh Giles, Hill's former head coach at Corona Centennial High, confirmed the news to Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times.
According to Bolch, Hill's family wrote in an Instagram post on Tuesday that he died after going missing in Costa Rica.
"We know Jalen has played a part in the lives of so many people," the family's Instagram post said. "We also acknowledge the role that so many of you have played in his. As we try to navigate this devastating time in our lives, we ask that you please give us time to grieve. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers."
UCLA head coach Mick Cronin provided a statement to Bolch: "The news of Jalen Hillβs passing is heartbreaking. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. Jalen was a warm-hearted young man with a great smile who has left us far too soon."
Hill was a 247Sports 4-star prospect coming out of Corona Centennial High School in 2017. He committed to UCLA in 2015, two years before graduating high school.
The California native only appeared in 14 games as a redshirt junior in 2020-21. He left the program midway through the season.
In a video message posted on Instagram in April 2021 (h/t USA Today's Steve Gardner), Hill revealed he stopped playing basketball due to "a bunch of anxiety and depression problems" and feeling pressure "trying to live up to somebodyβs perception of how my life should be instead of just being who I am."
According to Bolch, Hill recently said he "adopted measures to help his mental state such as meditation and being open about his troubles with family and friends."
After not playing in his first season with the Bruins, Hill played a key role primarily off the bench in 2018-19. He averaged 4.3 points and ranked second on the team with 6.0 rebounds per game in 30 appearances.
Hill started a career-high 25 games during the 2019-20 campaign. He led the Bruins in rebounding (6.9 per game) and ranked second in scoring (9.0).
No. 3 UCLA Upset in Triple OT by Unranked Arizona State in Pac-12 Action
Feb 6, 2022
UCLA forward Cody Riley (2) is defended by Arizona State guard DJ Horne (0) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The No. 3 UCLA Bruins were upset by the unranked Arizona State Sun Devils 87-84 in triple overtime on Saturday at Desert Financial Arena for just their fourth loss of the season.
However, Saturday's loss was the second straight for UCLA after falling to the No. 7 Arizona Wildcats 76-66 on Thursday. The Bruins have also lost to the Gonzaga Bulldogs and Oregon Ducks this season.
The Bruins needed to avoid a loss in Saturday's game against the Sun Devils to avoid falling further away from winning the regular-season conference championship. The Wildcats are first in conference play at 9-1, while the Bruins are tied for second with the Ducks at 8-3.
While junior guards Jaime Jaquez Jr., Johnny Juzang and Tyger Campbell had solid performances for the Bruins, senior forward Cody Riley put up 10 points, and senior guard Jules Bernard put up just six points against the Sun Devils.
And while the Sun Devils are typically paced by Illinois State transfer DJ Horne, Marreon Jackson was the hero for the team on Saturday night. The senior finished with a whopping 24 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals off the bench.
Junior forward Jalen Graham also had a solid night for Arizona State, finishing with 16 points, 10 rebounds and six assists.
Arizona State had entered Saturday's game having lost their last four games, while UCLA had won eight of their last 10.
As for what's next, UCLA will trip to snap its two-game skid on Tuesday when the Bruins travel to face Stanford. Arizona State, meanwhile, will look to upset another ranked opponent in the Arizona Wildcats on Sunday.
UCLA Basketball Player Arrested for Allegedly Spitting at Arizona Fans After Loss
Feb 4, 2022
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 25: Mac Etienne #12 of the UCLA Bruins passes the ball as the team warms up before the game against the Arizona Wildcats at UCLA Pauley Pavilion on January 25, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
UCLA forward Mac Etienne was arrested on an assault charge after allegedly spitting at Arizona fans following the Bruins' 76-66 loss Thursday.
University of Arizona Police public information officer Sgt. Sean Shields told Myron Medcalf of ESPN that Etienne was given a citation for assault with "the intent to injure, provoke or insult" but was not handcuffed.
"We allowed him to go with the team back to the locker room," Shields said. "And he was arrested for assault."
An official police report will be released Friday.
"UCLA Athletics is committed to and expects the highest level of sportsmanship," UCLA said in a statement. "We are aware of the incident involving a student-athlete at tonight's men's basketball game, and the matter is under review."
Etienne is a redshirt freshman who has missed the entire season with a knee injury. It's possible Etienne will have to travel back to Arizona for a court appearance, though Shields said he could be able to handle the situation from California.
No. 7 Arizona Upsets No. 3 UCLA as Wildcats Exact Revenge Against Bruins
Feb 4, 2022
UCLA guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. drives past Arizona center Christian Koloko (35) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
No. 7 Arizona avenged its Jan. 25 loss to No. 3 UCLA, this time emerging with a 76-66 victory at the McKale Center.
Kerr Kriisa led all scorers with 16 points Thursday to help the Wildcats (18-2) earn an important Pac-12 win, improving to 12-0 at home this season.
Defense was on display early for Arizona as the squad built a 42-30 lead at halftime:
The home team led by as much as 17 in the first half before the Bruins made it respectable at intermission.
It was a closer battle in the second half with UCLA quickly getting within single digits. The Wildcats cooled offensively before a 7-0 Bruins run cut the margin to three with under four minutes remaining.
Arizona found a way to stay in front, however, with Kriisa hitting a clutch three to put the game away:
Mathurin had only six points at halftime, but the team scored 42 thanks to the quick movement getting everyone involved.
The pace slowed in the second half, but the team still got production from a lot of different sources. At different times there were several players who were seemingly the difference-maker for Arizona:
Kerr Kriisa was 0-for-12 at UCLA last week and Mick Cronin said there was no way he would play that poorly next time. Sure enough, Kriisa had 11 in the first half of the rematch.
Dalen Terry was especially impressive, playing solid defense on Johnny Juzang while filling up the stat sheet offensively.
In addition to the five players in double figures, Oumar Ballo and Christian Koloko played important roles in the low post with seven combined blocks.
It was a complete performance from a team that can beat anyone in the country when it plays at this level.
Poor Shooting Dooms UCLA
In the first meeting between these teams, Arizona struggled offensively with just a 30.7 shooting percentage and 25 percent mark from three-point range.
This time, it was UCLA that couldn't get anything to fall.
The Bruins were just 1-of-9 from three in the first half while facing an early deficit:
UCLA bricking every jumper β exact opposite result from the first matchup.
UCLA finished with 12 assists on 28 made field goals, much worse than Arizona's 18 assists on 24 makes.
With the Bruins also struggling at the free-throw line (7-of-12), a key road win was simply out of reach.
What's Next?
The schedule remains difficult for Arizona, which will host No. 19 USC on Saturday. UCLA will continue its road trip with a game against Arizona State on Saturday.
UCLA vs. UNC Men's Basketball in CBS Sports Classic Canceled Because of COVID-19
Dec 17, 2021
UCLA guard Tyger Campbell (10) celebrates with center Myles Johnson (15) and guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. (24) after scoring during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against the Colorado in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
UCLA announced Friday that its men's basketball game against North Carolina in the CBS Sports Classic scheduled for Saturday has been canceled because of COVID-19 issues within the Bruins program.
UCLA's decision to call off Saturday's game comes on the heels of Ohio State announcing Thursday that its CBS Sports Classic game at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas against Kentucky was also canceled because of positive COVID-19 tests within the Buckeyes program.
With neither UCLA nor Ohio State able to play, an adjustment has reportedly been made that will still allow UNC and Kentucky to have a game.
According to Matt Norlander of CBS Sports, the plan is now for North Carolina and Kentucky to face each other at 5:30 p.m. ET on Saturday in Las Vegas.
Norlander noted that UNLV and Northwestern were considered as potential replacement teams before the North Carolina vs. Kentucky game was settled upon.
UCLA's absence means the CBS Sports Classic will be without the highest-ranked team in the field.
The Bruins are off to an 8-1 start this season, with their only loss coming to then-No. 1 Gonzaga. UCLA is ranked No. 4 in the nation coming off a surprise appearance in the Final Four last season.
With guard Johnny Juzang and his 16.6 points per game leading the way, the Bruins would have been favored against a UNC team that is unranked but off to a solid 8-2 start in Hubert Davis' first season as head coach.
Now, UNC will reportedly shift its focus to a Kentucky team that is ranked No. 21 in the nation with a 7-2 record.
North Carolina and Kentucky are two of the most successful programs in college basketball history, as the Tar Heels have won six NCAA tournament championships and the Wildcats have won eight.
For now, UCLA is pausing basketball activities, with its next game scheduled for Wednesday against Cal Poly, although it isn't yet known if that contest will be played.
No. 4 UCLA vs. Alabama State Postponed Because of Covid-19 Protocols
Dec 16, 2021
COLLEGE PARK, MD - MARCH 25: The UCLA Bruins logo on a pair of shorts during a NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament - Second Round game against the Maryland Terrapins at the Xfinity Center Center on March 25, 2019 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
The UCLA men's basketball team is the latest to be affected by the rise in COVID-19 cases.
The Bruins, who are ranked No. 4 in the AP Top 25, announced that Wednesday's home game against Alabama State has been postponed because of COVID-19 protocols.
UCLA had announced earlier on Wednesday that head coach Mick Cronin would miss the game because of COVID-19 protocols and associate head coach Darren Savino would coach the team in his place. Canceling the game altogether indicates that Cronin wasn't the only person within the program to be affected.
The Bruins have a record of 8-1 and are on a four-game win streak, most recently defeating Marquette in a road game Saturday. UCLA also won by forfeiture against the Washington Huskies because of COVID-19 issues within their program.
UCLA advanced to the Final Four last season for the first time since 2008 and has looked like a contender to make another run in the tournament this season. The Bruins have four double-digit scorers, led by junior guard Johnny Juzang's 16.6 points per game. Juzang was named to the AP preseason All-America team.
There has been no further announcement about the rescheduling of UCLA's game against Alabama State as of this writing. The Bruins' next scheduled game is a high-profile matchup against North Carolina on Saturday at the CBS Sports Classic. The Tar Heels are on a five-game win streak.
It is not yet known if UCLA's COVID-19 protocols will affect the status of Saturday's game.
Mick Cronin Won't Coach for No. 4 UCLA vs. Alabama State Due to COVID-19 Protocols
Dec 15, 2021
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 01: Head coach Mick Cronin of the UCLA Bruins yells on the court in the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at UCLA Pauley Pavilion on December 1, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
There has been a recent spike in COVID-19 cases across multiple sports, and college basketball is no different.
UCLA announced that men's basketball head coach Mick Cronin will not be with the team for Wednesday night's game against Alabama State because of COVID-19 protocols. Associate head coach Darren Savino will coach the Bruins in Cronin's absence.
UCLA is ranked No. 4 in the AP Top 25 after earning a road win over Marquette on Saturday. The Bruins are 8-1 and have won their last four games, which includes a forfeit by the Washington Huskies because of COVID-19 issues within their program.
Cronin is in his third season at UCLA. He led the Bruins to a 22-10 record last year and a trip to the Final Four, the program's first appearance in the national semifinal since 2008.
UCLA is a deep team with four players averaging over 10 points. Junior guard Johnny Juzang leads the team with 16.6 points per game, followed by Jaime Jaquez Jr. (14.8), Jules Bernard (13.0) and Tyger Campbell (12.6).
The Bruins should have little trouble without Cronin against Alabama State. The Hornets are 2-9 and enter the contest riding a four-game losing streak. UCLA is 5-0 on its home floor this season and averages 90.4 points while allowing opponents to score 67.6.
If UCLA is able to get past Alabama State, the team will look ahead to a marquee matchup against North Carolina on Saturday Dec. 18 in the CBS Sports Classic. The Tar Heels are 8-2 and have won their last five games.
