For true UCLA men's basketball junkies, tonight's 7:30 tip-off can't come a minute too soon, unless it means more time for forward Reeves Nelson's left ankle to heal after injuring it earlier in practice this week. UCLA already has a crosstown rival, so some might think it's opening with a crosstown patsy in Loyola Marymount. After all, the Bruins are 15-2 overall against LMU and haven't lost to the Lions since a stunning 40-34 defeat in 1941.
That's right, the Los Angeles Sports Arena, the site for tonight's game, wasn't even around the last time UCLA lost to LMU. Of course, at this time of the season, it's as much about the Bruins themselves as it is about the opposition.
THE LOWDOWN:
Fox Sports West is televising the game, but it is Friday night - go have some fun and snag yourself a ticket for the game through this very website.
Three things we want answered:
* Will Nelson's ankle injury hinder him from dominating on the glass?
Nelson has the mental attitude and talent to really give LMU serious trouble on the glass. Now we just need to know if his ankle (X-rays were negative) is ready as well.
Nelson has the mental attitude and talent to really give LMU serious trouble on the glass. Now we just need to know if his ankle (X-rays were negative) is ready as well.
* What impact will not starting Joshua Smith have against a smaller LMU team?
The Lions aren't listing a probable starter taller than 6-foot-8, nor heavier than 220 pounds, which means Smith would have a 2-inch height advantage and 80-plus pound weight advantage in the post to start the game. Either way, Smith should be a dominant force against a smaller LMU team.
* How much will UCLA miss Jerime Anderson?
The senior guard is serving out the remainder of his two-game suspension, leaving the Bruins without a true backup point guard. Tyler Lamb will need to run the team when Lazeric Jones is resting.
On the Lions: LMU isn't the tallest team, which means the Bruins should give them a lot of trouble with their length. The Lions are also missing their best player, senior forward Drew Viney, who has a foot injury that will keep him out until December. Junior guard Jarred DuBois should be a familiar name for Los Angeles high school hoops fans, as he played at Westchester High School. DuBois played in only six games last year due to injury but should be a leader on both ends of the court for the Lions this year.
