COLLEGE BASKETBALL / NCAA MEN’S REPORT

Is there an explanation why UCLA freshmen Toby Bailey and J.R. Henderson can combine for 44 points in one game and four in the next?

“The reason is we’re not the first option on the team,” Henderson said. “We’re like the last. If the seniors aren’t hitting, then Charles (O’Bannon) usually comes in and does something. If everyone’s on, it seems like we don’t get as many shots.”

There were other factors.

Bailey, who scored 26 points in the Bruins’ victory in the West Regional final against Connecticut, did not like the tempo of Saturday’s game against Oklahoma State.

“I hated that game, all the picks, the set-up offense,” Bailey said. “I hated that game.”

Bailey, who took only two shots, was rattled early when he was called for an offensive foul when he pulled up for a jump shot.

“That took me off my game,” he said. “And in a big game like that, when Tyus (Edney) and Ed (O’Bannon) are on, I’m not going to start jacking up shots if I’m not on.

“You have to kind of swallow your pride sometimes. I just kind of conceded it was not my night that night. And the guy guarding Tyus couldn’t stop him. So I kept giving it to him.”

Henderson, who scored 18 against UConn and two against Oklahoma State, had other problems. With Zidek in foul trouble, Henderson had to help defend against the Cowboys’ Reeves, who outweighed Henderson by 77 pounds.

“Yeah, that took a lot out of me too,” Henderson said.