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UCLA Basketball: Welcome to Fight, Fight, Fight Club!

By Mike Regalado

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 29: Jalen Hill #24 of the UCLA Bruins reacts during the first half against the Liberty Flames at Pauley Pavilion on December 29, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 29: Jalen Hill #24 of the UCLA Bruins reacts during the first half against the Liberty Flames at Pauley Pavilion on December 29, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images) /
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Since Murry Bartow has taken over the UCLA basketball program, the Bruins have been battling to the end of every game with their latest efforts resulting in a tough comeback victory at Oregon. Welcome to Fight, Fight, Fight Club!

The UCLA basketball team has taken on a new persona since Murry Bartow became the interim head coach. They are not exactly the toughest team in the nation, but they are not the softest either.

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In fact, these Bruins are showing some fight that was not apparent when Steve Alford was in charge. It has only been three games since he was fired, but since then, the Bruins have shown that they are not going to back down.

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A staple of Alford’s teams was that they would let up off the gas, especially in the second half of games. I am not going to say they quit, but they certainly dd not finish.

That is not the case with Bartow in charge. The interim coach is somehow reaching this talent-laden roster and it is showing. On Thursday night, the Bruins did it again.

Down 14 points toward the end of regulation, UCLA never gave up against the Ducks, who outworked them for the majority of the game. Even when they were down by 9 with 1:01 left in the game, the Bruins found a way to fight, fight, fight their way through that last minute.

The Bruins eventually tied the game and forced overtime with an out-of-nowhere shooting display led by Prince Ali. And then in those final five minutes, Oregon jumped out to a quick lead, but that did not dissuade the Bruins. They fought and they won behind a 7-0 run to finish the game.

It was an incredible effort by all.

The Rules of Fight Fight Fight Club

  • 1st RULE: Tell everyone about FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT CLUB.
  • 2nd RULE: Tell EVERYONE about FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT CLUB, because Murry Bartow is doing something special with these Bruins.
  • 3rd RULE: If someone says “stop” or goes limp, taps out, you do not stop fighting until the clock reaches 0:00.
  • 4th RULE: All five players on the court will fight, fight, fight to the end.
  • 5th RULE: One Pac-12 fight at a time.
  • 6th RULE: No shirts, no shoes… unless those that are in blue and gold.
  • 7th RULE: Fights will go on as long as they have to, even in overtime.
  • 8th RULE: If this is your first night at FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT CLUB, you HAVE to “8 Clap”.

Who knows what perils the Bruins will come across in their journey to try and win a Pac-12 Championship, but it looks as though they have the mindset to stay focused and keep competing until the final buzzer sounds off.

I do not know what Bartow has been saying to this squad, but it has been working. Though the players might not have great individual games, if they work together, have each other’s back, and continue to fight, then they are going to play some great team basketball.

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This is what UCLA has become. Welcome to Fight, Fight, Fight Club.