After COVID-19, No. 5 UCLA waits to play 1st game in weeks

By BETH HARRIS
AP Sports Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The UCLA men’s basketball team is back after a nearly two-week shutdown because of COVID-19. Now the fifth-ranked Bruins have an opponent to play. The team returned to practice a week ago, with everyone from coach Mick Cronin to several players having recovered after being laid low by the coronavirus. Just three scholarship players did not test positive. The Bruins have been idle since beating Marquette on Dec. 11. UCLA will host Long Beach State on Thursday.