Hines Makes Most of Minutes

Rico Hines was removed from his early season spot in the starting lineup, but not the rotation, having maintained a prominent spot as a reserve forward.

The 6-foot-4 junior is averaging 17.3 minutes a game and has played at least 22 in two of the last four games, after briefly falling out of the rotation when he was removed from the opening lineup. It comes as a compliment from Coach Steve Lavin about his contributions as a role player with leadership skills.

“By doing that, he’s carved out a niche and a role on this team that’s made him very valuable,” Lavin said.

Hines averaged 12.6 minutes last season.

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Forget about that early 32-point victory over Iona, which was followed by a 61-point win over Morgan State.

Four of UCLA’s last five games have been decided by two points or fewer, with the other going to overtime.

And the close games figure to continue today at Pullman. Even though the Bruins have won six consecutive games on the road against the Cougars (and 13 overall), the last four have been decided by a combined 12 points.

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The Bruins have five players scoring in double figures: Jason Kapono (14.2), Jerome Moiso (13.6), JaRon Rush (11.3 in three games), Earl Watson (10.5), and Dan Gadzuric (10.1).

TODAY

at Washington State

3 p.m.

* Site--Friel Court, Pullman, Wash.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Bruins 8-3, 0-1; Cougars 5-5, 0-1.

* Update--The Cougars began the opening weekend of conference play ninth in the conference in shooting and 10th in shooting defense--and then were routed by USC on Thursday night. Chris Crosby switched from guard to forward under first-year Coach Paul Graham but remained one of the conference’s best scorers. He is averaging 15.3 points.