Three Freshmen May Be Starting

Look for the Bruins to start the season opener against Santa Clara tonight with a lineup similar to the one they used for two exhibition games last week.

That could put as many as three freshmen on the court, with Dan Gadzuric at center and Jerome Moiso and JaRon Rush at forward. Sophomore Travis Reed is also in the frontcourt mix.

At guard, sophomore Earl Watson sat out practice because of a slight groin injury earlier this week but is expected to be ready. Todd Ramasar, who started both exhibitions, probably will be on the bench this time, which leaves the other guard position to Ryan Bailey, Brandon Loyd or yet another freshman, Ray Young.

Baron Davis, cleared for practice only two days ago, isn’t expected to play. Coach Steve Lavin has been trying to sell his star point guard on the “advantages of taking a conservative approach to his rehab.”

Davis has other ideas.

“He wants to play against Santa Clara,” Lavin said. “He’s constantly trying to negotiate as to why he thinks he’s ready.”

Tonight

vs. Santa Clara, 7:30

Fox Sports West 2

* Site--Pauley Pavilion

* Radio--AM 1150

* Update--The last time these teams played, Santa Clara upset the Bruins in the first round of the 1995 Maui Invitational. Santa Clara is without All-West Coast Conference guard Brian Jones, who injured his knee in a summer league game.