Players Enjoy a Day of Full-Contact Basketball

Big East officials Ted Valentine, Ed Corbett and Donnee Gray worked the game at Georgetown’s request, but it was Hoya Coach Craig Esherick who became frustrated by calls.

Esherick became livid several times early in the game and picked up a technical foul with 4:23 to play in the first half and UCLA leading, 39-24, when Bruin center Dan Gadzuric ripped the ball from the hands of Hoya center Wesley Wilson.

UCLA took 42 free throws to only 11 by Georgetown, but 20 of the Bruins’ attempts came in the last few minutes when the Hoyas fouled to stop the clock.

Overall, UCLA enjoyed the hands-off approach of the Big East crew, which allowed players to bang one another in the paint. Pacific 10 games normally are called more closely.

“The refs are really touchy in the Pac-10,” forward Matt Barnes said. “I appreciated the way this game was called because this is the way calls are in the NCAA tournament. The refs let you play.”

Gadzuric, who took two shots to the face and came back for more, had no complaints either. UCLA has the option of bringing Pac-10 officials to its game at Georgetown next season. But maybe the Bruins would be better off with a Big East crew.

“I like it when the refs say, ‘Y’all play,”’ Gadzuric said. “As long as they don’t allow dirty fouls, I’d rather the game was physical.”

Wilson came in averaging 15.3 points and 7.5 rebounds but had none of either in 10 minutes. The 6-foot-11 junior played only two minutes in the second half.

“I rested him in the second half,” Esherick said, sarcastically. “I thought he needed the rest.”

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Friday vs. Washington (6-6, 0-2), Pauley Pavilion, 7:30 p.m.--UCLA defeated the Huskies, 85-79, at Seattle on Dec. 20, keyed by center Dan Gadzuric’s 23 points and 13 rebounds. The Bruins are 2-0 in conference play.