Gadzuric Unlikely to Play Tonight

Dan Gadzuric is not expected to play against American of Washington, D.C., at Pauley Pavilion tonight because the tendinitis in his knees has worsened. The freshman center has suffered from sore knees before, but never to this extent.

“In the past, I just played through it,” Gadzuric said. “I have to go through treatment until it gets a little better.”

At 6 feet 10, Gadzuric is a force inside. He leads the team with 13 blocks in seven games and is averaging 8.4 points and five rebounds. The Bruins will need him once Pacific 10 Conference play begins next month, which is why Coach Steve Lavin has kept him out of practice.

“With tendinitis, rest is the only answer,” Lavin said. “It’s painful, so we need to get him some rest.”

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Assorted injuries and ailments may keep a few other Bruins out of the lineup tonight. Ryan Bailey missed practice Tuesday because of flu, Matt Barnes sprained an ankle Monday, Sean Farnham is still having problems with a sore foot, and Rico Hines has re-injured his groin.

TONIGHT vs. American

7:30, Fox Sports West 2

Site--Pauley Pavilion.

Radio--KXTA (1150).

Records--Bruins 6-2, Eagles 3-7.

Update--American opened the season 3-1 but has lost six consecutive games, the most recent to USC on Monday night, 74-59. Guard Ossie Jones, returning from academic suspension, led the Eagles with 12 points against the Trojans.