Bruins Have It Scripted

Follow the script. That’s all No. 15 UCLA believes it needs to do today against No. 20 Georgetown.

“We have fire in our eyes when we’re playing a big-time team on national TV, that’s always been our reputation,” guard-forward Jason Kapono said. “The tougher the game, the better we play. It shouldn’t be like that, but unfortunately, as proven by our past, it’s the way it is.”

The Bruins’ most impressive victory this season came in their only game against a ranked opponent, 79-57 over Alabama. Last season there were victories over Kentucky, Stanford and Arizona. In 1999-2000, they beat North Carolina and Stanford.

“We have a veteran group of guys and we’ve played a lot of big games,” guard Rico Hines said. “It doesn’t take a lot to get up for a game like this.”

As for the numerous times the Bruins are sluggish against inferior opponents--such as the 64-55 victory over Columbia on Thursday--Kapono believes it will cost them.

“You live by that sword, you’re going to get slashed,” he said.

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UCLA used a man-to-man defense against smallish Columbia, but will return to the matchup zone against Georgetown, whose leading scorers are power forward Mike Sweetney and center Wesley Wilson.

“Mike and Wesley have come along well,” Georgetown Coach Craig Esherick said, “although I’m not ready to say either one is Alonzo Mourning, Patrick Ewing or Dikembe Mutombo.”

The Hoyas will employ a full-court press. “We’ve pressed everyone we’ve played,” Esherick said.

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The return of point guard Cedric Bozeman again will be postponed. The freshman was cleared by doctors to play against Columbia, but Coach Steve Lavin said he won’t return until Friday’s home game against Washington.

Bozeman has missed six games since having knee surgery Dec. 3.

“It’s better if he gets a full week of live practice,” Lavin said. “He’s eager to come back but he understands a cautious approach is best.”

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The list of 50 preseason candidates for the John R. Wooden Award has been pared to 30. Kapono made the cut. Dan Gadzuric did not.

Kapono, a junior, is having an excellent all-around season while playing point guard in addition to small forward and shooting guard. Not only does he lead the Bruins in most shooting categories, he is the assist leader (2.5 average) and is second in rebounds (5.9).

Gadzuric, a senior center, has not played well except for Pacific 10 road games against Washington and Washington State. He is averaging 8.9 points and 5.5 rebounds.

TODAY

vs. Georgetown

1 p.m., Channel 2

Site--Pauley Pavilion.

Radio--KXTA (1150, 850), KPLS (830).

Records--No. 15 UCLA 8-2, No. 20 Georgetown 9-2.

Update--The Bruins played well for 30 minutes and poorly for 10 against plodding but cerebral Columbia on Thursday to improve their home record to 3-1. Sustaining a strong effort for 40 minutes will be key against the talented Hoyas, whose 61-55 loss to Virginia on Dec. 20 ended a seven-game win streak. Forward Mike Sweetney has been Georgetown’s leading scorer the last five games and averages 18.4 points on 64.2% shooting. Wesley Wilson, a 6-foot-11 center, averages 15.3 points on 61.5% shooting and guard Kevin Braswell averages 14.9 points.