The UCLA Bruins college basketball team has returned to being a force in the sport. Entering Thursday night, they were ranked #3 in the country and 16-2 on the season. The Pac-12 as a whole is looking up as Arizona is also ranked inside the top 10. The two squared off Thursday. A game featuring two of the best team's in the country should have been a great story to cover. Instead, the story coming out of the game is what happened afterward.

UCLA redshirt freshman Mac Etienne was arrested and cited for spitting on fans as he left the arena.

https://twitter.com/UofABarstool/status/1489447990460919813

The Wildcats used a dominating first half to hold on against the Bruins, 77-67. As Etienne is heading toward the tunnel after the loss, he is seen spitting twice in the direction of fans. Certainly he was being heckled, but that is no excuse for that behavior.

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Etienne was reportedly allowed to go to the locker room where he was then arrested, cited and released. Even though it is not certain whether his saliva actually hit a fan or not, the video clearly shows intent. That is all that is needed in the state of Arizona for a misdemeanor assault charge.

UCLA's Etienne was not dressed for the game and did not play. He will be expected to appear in court or make alternative arrangements with the courts.

The UCLA Bruins and Arizona Wildcats rivalry appears to be heating up again. Following the loss Thursday, the Bruins fell to 8-2 in Pac-12 play, a half game behind Arizona.