COLLEGE BASKETBALL: TONIGHT’S GAMES

NONCONFERENCE

* OHIO (2-2) at No. 23 UCLA (1-2)

Time--5. TV--Fox Sports West.

Radio--XTRA (690), KIEV (870).

After a week of early morning practice because of final exams, the Bruins play only their fourth game in 17 days--and their first since their eye-opening Pauley Pavilion drubbing last Saturday at the hands of No. 1-ranked Kansas. UCLA interim Coach Steve Lavin said there is time to correct his team’s continued problems with turnovers (23.3 per game) and blocking out on the boards before conference play begins Jan. 2. “I think we’re definitely in the mix [nationally],” he said. “I just think there’s things we have to iron out, things we need to work on.” Lavin signed a contract this week that will pay him $175,000 this season. His base salary will remain $75,000, with $100,000 more for TV and radio appearances. Ohio, which is led by 5-foot-8 shooter Geno Ford, shot 62% from the field and held off host Cal State Northridge on Thursday night, 80-73.