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UCLA looks to exact small measure of revenge vs. Beilein

Dec 22, 2007 - 2:19 PM No. 8 UCLA (10-1) at Michigan (4-7) 2:00 pm EST

ANN ARBOR, Michigan (Ticker) - Nearing the end of its non-conference schedule, No. 8 UCLA looks to exact measure of revenge against a coach who has had its number lately.

The Bruins play their final non-conference road game on Saturday when they travel to Crisler Arena to face Michigan.

UCLA has reeled off a pair of 30-win campaigns over the last two seasons, but has run into trouble both times it ran into a John Beilein-coached team, losing two close games to West Virginia in 2005-06 and 2006-07. Beilein's teams defeated the No. 12 Bruins at Pauley Pavilion, 60-56, in 2006 and downed the No. 2 Bruins again last season, 70-65, in Morgantown.

Beilein left the Mountaineers in April and accepted the coaching job at Michigan to replace the fired Tommy Amaker.

However, the Bruins figure to have a much easier time with Beilein this time. Freshman center Kevin Love has had little trouble adjusting to the college game, averaging 16.6 points and 9.7 rebounds, posting five double-doubles in his first season in the process.

The 6-10 Love had 16 points and seven boards in Tuesday's 77-52 win over Western Illinois.

Meanwhile, the Wolverines have struggled mightily in Beilein's inaugural season, losing five out of six, including last Saturday's 78-67 setback against Central Michigan. Sophomore forward DeShawn Sims poured in 17 points for the Wolverines, who were unable to overcome 23 turnover in the loss.