KEVIN KLAUS/Arizona Daily Wildcat A dejected Steve Lavin leaves Lute and Bobbi Olson Court following the Bruins' 106-70 loss to Arizona last night. Lavin is expected to be let go at season's end.

Bruins' lame-duck leader looks to end tenure on high note

It's been a tough season for UCLA head coach Steve Lavin, but last night's embarrassment in Tucson might take the cake.

As the still-slick haired coach was walking into the media room he stopped and asked for a drink from his media relations guy. He first asked if they had any Schlitz, then changed his mind as asked if they had any Jack Daniels, then made a final request of strychnine.

Things have been bad for the Bruin head coach but not bad enough to order the devils cough syrup.

His team does have talent and has promise as it has nine freshmen and sophomores, but it gets more and more likely that Lavin won't be around to see them develop.

"I admire the way our kids are handling a bad situation," he said. "I really enjoy working with this particular group."

Andre Iguodala

Too bad it won't be for much longer.

As Lavin finished his press conference with the media he had some kind words for long-time Tucson Citizen columnist Corky Simpson.

He told Simpson that he hopes one day their paths will cross again, just making it even more likely that Lavin won't be around next season when UCLA makes its annual trip to Tucson.

GAME REVIEW Player of game: Freshman Andre Iguodala notched a career high 18 points while grabbing five rebounds in 22 minutes. Notably impressive was Iguodala's 8-of-8 showing from the free-throw line. Play of game: At the 9:42 mark of the second, Chris Rogers tossed a floating pass in the direction of high-flying twins Iguodala and Hassan Adams. Adams threw down the alley-oop to cap a 37-10 UA run and put the Wildcats up 82-44. Stat of game: Sixteen second half turnovers by the Bruins, after just three in the first half, led to UA outscoring UCLA 61-36 after the break.

The only way he will be back in Tucson next season will be behind the mic as a broadcaster, the fate many picture for Lavin.

He would be a perfect fit as an analyst as his personality fits that of many that make a living behind the camera. Even after last night's loss, the 38-year-old was able to provide insight on his team and his future.

"The first half was competitive but the second half was a blowout because of the number of turnovers," Lavin said. "It's definitely not fun for the kids. Especially for the seniors to go out."

When asked how he is holding up under the spotlight of having one of the worst seasons in UCLA's storied history he said just OK.

"Actually I ballooned up to 226 last year, and I lost 30 pounds to get back to my college playing weight," Lavin said. "If nothing else at least I will be the best-conditioned unemployed head coach come April. So that's one positive aspect that's going to come out of this season. It makes my parents happy because now I'm less likely to have a coronary in my early 40's."

Up Next: No. 1 UA vs. USC; Sat. 11 a.m., McKale Center

As Lavin was reshaping his body, he also wants to reshape the Bruin program for the future, whether he is there or not.

He said his number one concern for the rest of the season is getting his young players as much experience as possible leading to the ultimate goal of reaching the Pac-10 Conference Tournament.

It's unfair to say that Lavin has given up on this season. He continued to roam up and down the sideline, barking orders at his players even when they were down by as many as 39 points.

He also used the same strategy as he did in the game at Pauley Pavlilon as he put in his subs to try to bring some energy off the bench. Like the first time, it worked again last night as two Bruins, Janou Rubin and Jon Crispin, kept the game from getting even worse than it was.

After the game UA head coach Lute Olson said he doesn't see the UCLA program just falling away from the elite teams in the nation and team's better enjoy it because it won't last long.

"We know its not going to be long," said Olson, about the eventual resurrection of the program. "They are really young."

That youth unfortunately had to take an hour and half bus ride up to Tempe after the game last night, which couldn't have been fun.

Just imagine how they felt after hearing about Arizona State's crushing 108-78 victory against Southern California, the Bruins opponent tomorrow.

Even though the future might look bright without Lavin, there are still sure to be many unpleasant bus and plane rides the rest of the season for the Bruins.

Live it up while you can Wildcat fans.