Sticky start to UCLA-Washington State game

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Playing 15th-ranked UCLA figured to be tough enough, but when Washington State Coach Tony Bennett went to sit down before tipoff of his team’s quarterfinal game in the Pac-10 tournament, he ran into an unexpected impediment.

Chewed gum.

In the evening’s previous game at Staples Center -- USC’s last-second victory over California -- Coach Tim Floyd, who often chews gum, and the Trojans had used that bench.

Bennett looked into the stands, where USC assistant Bob Cantu was seated.

‘Hey Bob,’ Bennett yelled, ‘I’ve got Floyd’s gum here.’

-- David Wharton