UCLA Can Play in Pauley Despite Flood

When Pauley Pavilion was modernized two years go the UCLA basketball team played its home schedule primarily at the Sports Arena.

Due to heavy flooding last week which included the Pauley Pavilion playing court being warped, the possibility existed the Bruins would again have to find an alternate site for the upcoming season.

However, that isn't likely.

UCLA officials have determined there's no structural damage to Pauley Pavilion due to the flooding. However, the playing floor will be replaced since efforts to save it failed.

A 30-inch pipe that was 93 years old fractured last Friday on Sunset Blvd. near the UCLA campus

Several days later, after progress was reported in the clean-up by the Department of Water And Power, a group of us rode a car in Westwood Village. Traffic was normal and pedestrian crosswalks were occupied as usual.

However, we could see that a few blocks away there was equipment outside Pauley Pavilion and plenty of workers.

Jim McDaniel, senior assistant general manager of DWP's water system, said crews are trained in shutting the valves down.

UCLA head basketball coach Steve Alford was out of town but planned to return this week.

UCLA had a 28-9 record last season, including12-6 in the Pac-12 Conference. The Bruins were eliminated from the NCAA Tournament by Florida, 79-68

Three underclassmen entered the NBA draft, the most heralded being 6-9 point guard Kyle Anderson, the Bruins' leader in rebounds and assists.

However, Alford brought in an outstanding recruiting class which includes center Thomas Welch from LA Loyola High.

The homecourt advantage is important in basketball and it's a relief to Bruin officials that the games are likely to be played on campus in the coming season.