Mbah a Moute’s status is uncertain

UCLA forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute’s sprained right knee injury is not serious, and he has not yet been ruled out of the Bruins’ next game Thursday at California, Coach Ben Howland said.

“I don’t know if Luc will be ready next weekend or not. It’s too early to say,” Howland said. “I’ll know more by Wednesday. Regardless, guys have to step up and get it done.”

An MRI exam of Mbah a Moute’s knee showed no structural damage, and he was able to ride a bike for conditioning Friday.

“He came to me right before the game and said his knee was feeling a lot better,” Howland said.

“It’s not long-term. I would say it could be another week. You just don’t know.”

Alfred Aboya started at forward in Mbah a Moute’s place Saturday, with Arron Afflalo picking up the defensive assignment on Arizona’s top scorer, Marcus Williams.

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Sophomore Michael Roll, who failed to make a big impact in his first start against USC when Josh Shipp was injured, came off the bench Saturday and scored 13 points, making three three-pointers and converting two crucial free throws with 25 seconds left.

His three-point shooting is one of the things that can make a difference against the zones that have troubled UCLA.

“They made a run at us, and I thought Mike Roll made a nice shot fake, took one dribble to the top of the key and made the shot,” Howland said.

He also was impressed with Roll’s coolness at the line, considering his inexperience.

“That’s 11 foul shots in his career here at UCLA. He took seven last year,” Howland said.

Roll shrugged.

“I’ve been in that situation in high school and AAU. I wasn’t too nervous,” he said. “Obviously the crowd is going crazy and then gets silent. You’ve got to focus your mind and cut out everything else.”

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John Wooden was not at the game after deciding to watch from home so the former coach could keep a leg that is troubling him elevated for comfort, a UCLA official said.

Among those who were in attendance: Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

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One new tactic helped against Arizona’s zone.

“We went to four guards a lot today to attack their zone,” Howland said, noting the same tactic was successful for Oregon.

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UCLA is 5-1 against ranked teams, with victories over Kentucky, Georgia Tech, Texas A&M;, Washington and Arizona and a loss to Oregon.

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robyn.norwood@latimes.com