LOS ANGELES — A mirror might as well be placed at midcourt when the UCLA and Oregon men’s basketball teams tip off on Saturday. Through eight games, these two perennial contenders have fallen short in similar ways.

The Bruins and Ducks have dropped each of their crucial nonconference games. Both teams played in nail-biters to open their Big Ten schedule earlier this week. Both have dealt with injuries to their top players, preventing them from building chemistry between their returning players and transfers.

The reflective struggles make Saturday afternoon’s game imperative for both sides. The mirror will be left behind at Pauley Pavilion as the winner will emerge with a respectable victory that can go a long way toward helping to correct their résumé. The loser will have a more difficul

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