UCLA Meets a Depleted Arizona State Team

There seems to be no end to the controversies and surprises at Arizona State University.

This week, for example, Coach Steve Patterson suspended 6-7 center Eric Holloway, his leading rebounder and third-leading scorer, for the rest of the season. That was a major blow to the Sun Devils’ already-depleted roster.

And yet, just three days later, Arizona State beat USC, 75-67.

The ASU team that UCLA will face today at the Activity Center is down to nine players.

Yet, Patterson has managed to keep the team afloat. ASU has an overall record of 11-11 and a conference record of 5-7 going into today’s game against UCLA, which is 11-9 overall and 6-5 in the Pac-10.

Arizona State has been left with a small lineup, including 6-9 Tarre Isiah at center and 6-6 Dave Kleckner and 6-5 Alex Austin at forwards. The Sun Devils get most of their offense from guards Steve Beck, who is averaging 13.4 points, and Bobby Thompson, with an 8.2-point average. Against USC, 5-9 Arthur Thomas came off the bench and scored 23 points.

Bruin Notes Today’s game will start at 11:30 a.m. and will be televised by Channel 2. It also will be broadcast on KMPC (710). . . . UCLA is 1-7 on the road; Arizona State is 10-1 at home. . . . UCLA beat Arizona State, 86-75, this season at Pauley Pavilion as forward Reggie Miller scored 35 points.