UCLA Abruptly Axes Hoops Coach Alford

Steve Alford has been fired as UCLA basketball coach midway through his sixth season, with the Bruins mired in a four-game skid that included losses at home to Belmont and Liberty.

Athletic director Dan Guerrero said Monday that assistant Murry Bartow will serve as interim coach through the end of the season.

UCLA is 7-6 and in danger of missing the NCAA Tournament despite a talented roster that includes sophomore Kris Wilkes and freshman Moses Brown.

Alford's final game was a 73-58 loss to Liberty on Saturday, the worst home defeat in his tenure. The Bruins committed 24 turnovers and missed a season-high 22 three-pointers.

It's unusual for UCLA to fire a coach in the middle of the season, but with the Bruins set to open Pac-12 play Thursday against Stanford at home, Guerrero is clearly hoping it spurs a turnaround.

"While Steve led us to three Sweet 16 appearances, we simply have not been performing at a consistent level," Guerrero said in a statement.

Read More of Today's AB Headlines

Subscribe to Our Daily E-Newsletter