UCLA keeps its balance
LOS ANGELES – Somehow, UCLA has managed to survive, and even thrive, through an incredible string of injuries this season.
From stars to freshmen, seven players have been sidelined at various times, including sophomore Josh Shipp for the rest of the season.
That’s enough to wreck a lot of teams.
Instead, UCLA’s transformation from downtrodden to dominant promised by coach Ben Howland when he arrived in Westwood three seasons ago is under way.
The revival began last year when the Bruins returned to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in three years, losing to Texas Tech in the first round.
“Just getting back was a big step for our program,” senior Ryan Hollins said. “This year, we definitely want to build on that. I’m looking forward to going as far as we can.”
That might include a high seed in the NCAA Tournament, if the 14th-ranked Bruins (17-4) keep winning.
Their losses – all by eight points or fewer – have been to No. 3 Memphis, No. 11 West Virginia, No. 16 Washington and California.
Using a youthful lineup that at times has featured five freshmen and four sophomores, UCLA has climbed to the top of the Pac-10 standings.
The Bruins own a one-game lead over California and Stanford after Saturday’s win over Arizona. UCLA is 5-0 on the road during its conference schedule.
“We can’t even think about being in first place, because you saw Washington lost two games last weekend. One game and we’re tied,” Hollins said. “You got to bring it every night, you can’t concede any game or just assume that we’re going to win it.”
Every Pac-10 team has been hit with injuries this season, with seven schools losing at least one player for the season.
The Bruins’ biggest loss was Shipp, who scored in double figures in their first four Pac-10 games before persistent hip pain forced him out.
Senior Cedric Bozeman returned last weekend after missing eight games. Freshmen Darren Collison and Ryan Wright are back after being sidelined by sprained ankles.
Star guard Jordan Farmar missed two games with a sprained ankle; Hollins and Alfred Aboya were out six games each.
Farmar had three key steals in the closing minutes of a 56-49 win at Oregon a week ago.
“It’s good to see him getting close to where he feels real healthy again,” Howland said.
The team’s injury woes have eased in the last two weeks, with only sophomore Lorenzo Mata (broken leg), senior Michael Fey (ankle, groin and shoulder) and Shipp still out.
During the toughest stretches, Howland had to get creative with his lineup, mixing and matching various pieces. The one constant was UCLA’s solid play.
“It’s been great to still have the success that we’ve had,” Howland said.