Crowd Tactics Irk McCoy, Johnson

Center Jelani McCoy, in his seventh game back from suspension, had one of his most effective performances--19 points, 12 rebounds--despite hearing the taunts and seeing the signs of the Stanford student section Saturday.

McCoy and Kris Johnson--who was suspended for four games--both said they were at times angered by the crowd.

“It shows you what kind of class the Stanford students have,” McCoy said.

Meanwhile, amid widespread rumors that McCoy may be suspended again, UCLA Coach Steve Lavin was indirect when asked if his decision to keep McCoy out of the starting lineup reflected disciplinary problems or team rules.

“No, no, Jelani’s on our team,” Lavin said. “Everything is status quo. For right now, he is on our team.”

Said McCoy: “No, I’m here, and that’s what I’m concerned about, doing the best I can for the team, not what rumors are flying around back home.”

UP NEXT

* USC, Wednesday: After starting the conference season with four road games in their first six, the Bruins begin a stretch of four home games. After USC, the Bruins will play a nonconference game against Louisville, then play host to both Washington schools. UCLA will not travel again until Feb. 5 and 7, when it plays at the Oregon schools. The Bruins have beaten the Trojans six consecutive times.