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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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In LA, but no partying

COUGARS

FROM LOS ANGELES -- We've made it to warmer climes, but haven't seen any UCLA players out partying yet. What gives? We have links, anyway.

...

Hmm. Wonder what everyone will be talking about at the Sports Arena tonight? Likely the same thing they've been talking about all day -- the revealing Sports Illustrated article published online Wednesday portraying UCLA as an out-of-control program with drug, alcohol and discipline issues. Of course, Ben Howland has a different take on things. ... Our story for Thursday's paper discussed WSU's interest in a CBI bid, which seems likely at this point. We also have a look ahead at the weekend and a note in this notebook. ... There was, of course, a lot of reaction to the UCLA news on Wednesday, and you can read all you need on the links. ... ESPN.com mentions WSU's fundraising uptick since Mike Leach was hired. ... Craig James dropped a petition to seek the depositions of the author of a book about Leach's firing at Texas Tech. ... WSU is mentioned in this ESPN.com poll.

As for Thursday's Pac-12 action ...

Washington State at UCLA, 7:30 p.m.

Utah at Oregon State, 7 p.m.: OSU's zone defense presents a problem for the Utes. The Beavers can assure themselves of a winning record if they win.

Colorado at Oregon, 7 p.m. (FSN): The Buffaloes need to win this game to keep their NCAA hopes alive for another day. The Ducks need to win, too, and want to spoil Tad Boyle's return to Oregon in the process.

Washington at USC, 7:30 p.m.: Lorenzo Romar isn't surprised by the Huskies' turnaround. Washington needs to leave no doubt that it is deserving of an NCAA bid. Here's what the UCLA mess means for USC.

Arizona's Kyle Fogg is turning heads with his defense. ... Ryan Divish examines some Pac-12 Player of the Year candidates.

All for now.

Christian Caple can be reached at christianc@spokesman.com. Twitter: @ChristianCaple



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