Lavin Favors Small Lineup

Pointing out that his unorthodox four-guard lineup got his team early leads in each of its three games at the Great Alaska Shootout, Bruin Coach Steve Lavin said he has no plans to change things in the near future.

Even against North Carolina, which ended up winning by 41 points, the small Bruin lineup of Baron Davis, Toby Bailey, Brandon Loyd, Earl Watson and J.R. Henderson had a 19-15 lead late in the first quarter.

The starters jumped to a 15-4 lead against Division II Alaska Anchorage in Friday’s victory, and had a 19-8 lead against Alabama Birmingham to start Saturday’s victory.

In the North Carolina and UAB games, UCLA was overmatched once both teams started going to their reserves.

“I like the chemistry of our starting lineup,” Lavin said when the subject of moving bigger players into the first five was broached. “Last year, our starting lineup was always getting us down by 20. This year, we’re getting quick leads.

“This starting five, all of them can handle the ball, they can shoot the ball, they all take care of it. After the first 10 minutes, that’s when we’re going to look for guys like Travis Reed and Rico Hines to come in and gives us good minutes.”