Johnson Might Start Today

After coming off the bench to play 31 minutes Thursday against Northern Arizona, senior swingman Kris Johnson could get his first start of the season today against Saint Louis.

Freshman forward Travis Reed, who started, played only nine minutes against Northern Arizona, and Johnson was in the lineup to open the second half.

“No question, having three seniors on the floor really helps,” Coach Steve Lavin said, referring to Johnson, Toby Bailey and J.R. Henderson.

Last year, Johnson replaced Cameron Dollar in the starting lineup and led UCLA with 20 points in a victory over the Billikens in St. Louis, 64-57.

Junior Brandon Loyd, who started UCLA’s first four games, has seen his playing time plummet with the return of Johnson from suspension and the rising play of freshman Billy Knight. Loyd, who played at least 16 minutes in each of the first four games, was used for only eight minutes last Saturday against Cal State Fullerton and seven on Thursday. . . . Tickets remain available for today’s game.

TODAY

vs. Saint Louis

* 1 p.m. * Fox Sports West 2

Site--Pauley Pavilion.

Radio--AM 1150.

Records--No. 11 Bruins 5-1, Billikens 8-0.

Update--Though they may not play each other often, the matchup of Saint Louis’ Larry Hughes and UCLA’s Baron Davis is a freshman phenom spectacle. The 6-foot-5 Hughes leads the Billikens in scoring with a 22.9-point average, in steals and is second in assists and third in rebounding. Saint Louis, coached by Charlie Spoonhour, is holding opponents to an average of 61.1 points. The Billikens are 0-6 against the Bruins, and lost last year at the Kiel Center.