UCLA’s basketball programs are in contrasting states. While both teams are entering 2023 off of losses in the Sweet 16, the men’s program is returning just 25.1% of its minutes from last year’s team, a figure considerably lower than the women’s 84.4% minutes returned.

The last time the Bruins opened their regular season against a Power Five opponent was 10 years ago.
UCLA lost to Nebraska by 28 points, jumpstarting an underwhelming 13-18 campaign in 2013-2014.

Lucas Oil Stadium was the location.
April 3, 2021, the date.
No. 1 seed Gonzaga, the opponent.
UCLA men’s basketball was in the Final Four, and coach Mick Cronin was facing the biggest test of his career under the brightest lights.

UCLA women’s basketball suited up to play in the Sweet 16 for the first time in four years.
Its time in the sun swiftly ended, however, after facing a formidable opponent: coach Dawn Staley’s South Carolina.

Often confined to the shadows, Dylan Andrews was keen to be hidden no longer.
He lurked behind a program icon, patiently waiting for opportunity to shine upon him.

This post was updated Nov. 6 at 1:09 a.m.
The last time the Bruins lost a game in Pauley Pavilion, there were no fans to send home sulking.