WOODEN CLASSIC / GAME 1

No. 9 Kentucky vs. UCLA

Today, 10:30 a.m., Channel 2

Site -- Arrowhead Pond

Radio -- XTRA 1150/690

Records -- Kentucky 3-0. UCLA 2-0.

Update -- Bruin starters played between 30 and 38 minutes against Riverside, a workload that will not abate until forwards Trevor Ariza, out because of a breathing disorder, and T.J. Cummings, who is ineligible, rejoin the team Dec. 17 at the earliest. Howland appears to have little confidence in reserve guards Ryan Walcott, who has played five minutes, and Jon Crispin, who has not played. The only bench players getting meaningful minutes are guard Janou Rubin and forward Josiah Johnson. Kentucky point guard Cliff Hawkins has flu but is expected to play. Wildcat forward Chuck Hayes, from Modesto, has family and friends driving to the game. UCLA is 3-5 against Kentucky, the most memorable Bruin victories coming in the 1975 NCAA final, 92-85, in John Wooden’s last game as coach, and the 1994 inaugural Wooden Classic, 82-81, on last-second free throws by J.R. Henderson.

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-- Steve Henson