UCLA was the only team to bring its dance squad and mascot to Orleans Arena, a nice but wholly unnecessary gesture considering the material they were given to work with going into their timeout performances.
The No. 17 Bruins were thoroughly outclassed in their first significant test of the season, an 87-67 loss to No. 11 Michigan State on Thursday night in the Las Vegas Invitational showing just how far they have to go to be considered a good team, let alone elite.
The issues included lackluster perimeter defense, no semblance of a competent offense and more selfish play.