Bruins Adjust Minus McCoy

The Bruins now face life without the resigned Jelani McCoy, their only true center. But, according to the statistics, they had basically been playing with only half of McCoy this season.

In his 15 games, the junior played an average of 21.2 minutes, and was on the bench for the end of almost every tight contest--including the final 12:45 against California on Saturday.

In fact, McCoy averaged only 18 minutes in the eight games since rumors circulated late last month that he was about to be suspended for a second time.

During McCoy’s nine-game suspension to start the season, UCLA was 8-1, using many of the freshmen players Lavin has refrained from playing since the return of McCoy and Kris Johnson, who was suspended for the first four games.

Coach Steve Lavin indicated Sunday that forwards Travis Reed, Rico Hines and Billy Knight--none of whom average more than more than 2.2 points or 3.9 rebounds--will all be asked to help fill the sixth-man void.