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UCLA Withdraws from Bruins Holiday Basketball Tournament

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, January 29th 2026 at 11:38 GMT by Sports Illustrated
      Locales: California, UNITED STATES

Los Angeles, CA - January 29th, 2026 - The landscape of early-season college basketball in Southern California has shifted slightly with the announcement that UCLA will not participate in the annual Bruins Holiday Basketball Tournament, hosted by Loyola Marymount University (LMU). The change stems from a scheduling conflict; the Bruins have committed to participating in the prestigious Maui Invitational tournament this year, rendering their presence at the LMU-hosted event impossible.

The Bruins Holiday Basketball Tournament, traditionally a key component of the local basketball calendar, is slated to run from November 23rd-24th. The decision by UCLA, a regional basketball powerhouse, necessitates a reshuffling of the tournament field. LMU officials confirmed the withdrawal on Thursday, and quickly moved to fill the gap left by the Bruins.

The updated tournament bracket now features Cal State Bakersfield, UC Santa Barbara, Portland, and the host school, LMU. While the absence of UCLA undoubtedly diminishes some of the initial excitement surrounding the tournament, organizers are optimistic that the adjusted field will still provide competitive and engaging basketball for fans.

"We understand UCLA's commitment to the Maui Invitational and wish them all the best," stated a spokesperson for LMU Athletics. "While we're disappointed they won't be able to join us for the Bruins Holiday Tournament this year, we've quickly worked to ensure a strong and balanced field. We believe the teams participating will deliver excellent basketball and a memorable experience for our fans."

The Maui Invitational is renowned as one of the premier early-season tournaments in college basketball, consistently attracting top-ranked programs from across the nation. Participation in such an event offers significant exposure and challenging competition, which likely factored heavily into UCLA's decision. The tournament's location in Hawaii also presents logistical challenges that likely played a role in the scheduling conflict.

For Cal State Bakersfield, UC Santa Barbara, and Portland, the Bruins Holiday Tournament presents a valuable opportunity to gain experience, test their lineups, and build momentum early in the season. These programs, while not possessing the national profile of UCLA, are all striving to establish themselves as contenders within their respective conferences. The tournament offers a stage to showcase their talent and potentially attract regional attention.

LMU, as the host, will also view the tournament as a crucial early-season test. Playing in front of a home crowd, the Lions will aim to make a strong statement and set the tone for their season. The tournament could serve as a catalyst for a successful campaign and boost recruiting efforts.

Analysts predict that the competition will be fierce, despite the absence of a traditional blueblood program like UCLA. UC Santa Barbara, in particular, is expected to be a strong contender, boasting a roster with several returning starters and promising newcomers. Portland, consistently competitive in the West Coast Conference, will also pose a significant challenge. Cal State Bakersfield, under the guidance of their head coach, is aiming to continue their upward trajectory in the Big West Conference.

The Bruins Holiday Basketball Tournament, even with the last-minute adjustments, remains an important event for local basketball enthusiasts. The tournament provides an accessible and affordable opportunity to witness competitive college basketball and support the participating programs. Ticket information and a detailed tournament schedule are available on the LMU Athletics website. Fans are encouraged to attend and experience the excitement of early-season college hoops. The tournament aims to keep the spirit of competition alive while adapting to unforeseen circumstances and providing a platform for a diverse range of collegiate basketball programs.