The statue of John Wooden that stands in front of Pauley Pavilion has its eyes permanently fixed on concrete stairs nearby that lead underground, the coach looking as if he’s wondering whether people will ever emerge again from Parking Lot 7. The crowd never comes.
The arena was empty again on Thursday afternoon, save for the cardboard cutouts in the 12 rows of bleachers behind the west basket that were once occupied by students.
UCLA nonetheless played as if the joint were packed, which is about as good a sign as any that the Bruins really have become a Mick Cronin team.