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In 1995, UCLA’s water polo coach Adam Krikorian helped lead his team to a national title. H

Men's Water Polo

Today, 6 p.m. v. UCSD La Jolla, Calif. Saturday, noon v. Alumni Rose Bowl Aquatics Center

Coming off a hard-fought victory against Stanford last weekend, the UCLA men’s water polo team travels down to La Jolla today to face the No. 4 UC San Diego Tritons. Tomorrow UCLA plays at the Rose Bowl for the annual alumni contest.

Although tonight’s matchup against UCSD is a non-conference meeting, it is still important. Come late November, when seeding for the NCAA tournament takes place, the at-large berth takes into account a team’s overall record. If the Bruins remain No. 3 in the nation, they will have to rely on a superior record to secure the spot. And building that superior record continues tonight at 6 at UCSD’s Canyonview Pool.

If the Bruins lose to the Tritons, not only will it hurt their national title chances, but it will be the first time in history that it has happened.

“We are playing them in their element and this team is good, if not better than last year’s team,” Krikorian said. “We know it will be tough to get a win and we know it will probably be a close game.”

Despite boasting a 43-0 record against UCSD, this season’s Triton team may be the best in its history. It has the highest national ranking ever in the history of its program.

The Tritons have lost only two of their 16 games, and in attendance will likely be a couple thousand fans dying to see their team climb up the national rankings.

“We are down in their house,” senior Logan Powell said. “And it is definitely hard to beat anyone within the top-ranked teams at their pool. We definitely need to gear up and play a hard-fought battle down there.”

Despite the possibility of defeat, the Bruins are not nervous.

“Nervous, no,” Powell said. “But we are definitely focused.”

With six wins under their belt and highly productive practices as of late, the Bruins have the confidence they need to secure the victory and move a step closer to the NCAA tournament.

“They won’t roll over for us,” senior Will Didinger said. “We will have to prepare for battle, and we are preparing for it just as we would for any of the other top teams.”

On a more lighthearted note, Bruin water polo players of the past will show up Saturday to take on the Bruins of the present in the annual alumni game. Preceding the slotted Arizona football game, the match will take place at the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center at noon. Though the game will have no bearing on the team’s national standing, it will likely open the gates for some bragging rights on either side.

“It’s just a good time for everyone,” Didinger said. “The older guys get to try and beat up on the younger guys.”

With Krikorian and his assistant coaches Matt Flesher and Brandon Brooks slotted to play for the alumni side, at least some playful banter should result.

“I’m sure Brooks will be in the goal and Flesher will be in the field,” Powell said.

“And, if it’s a special treat, we may see Adam (Krikorian) out there with a cap on.”