Wrist Injury Is Slowing Kapono

Jason Kapono’s right wrist and hand were swollen and tender Friday, a result of the hard spill he took Thursday night while trying to catch an alley-oop pass during the Bruins’ 67-40 victory over Oregon State. Kapono, who is right-handed, underwent treatment instead of shooting around Friday afternoon. He was scheduled to have X-rays taken that night.

“I woke up today and tried to bend my wrist, but I really can’t bend it that much,” he said, wincing as he lifted his hand as if to shoot. “It’s my shooting arm. I’ll be fine, though. It’s not a problem.”

The Bruins definitely need him. Not only is he fourth in the Pacific 10 Conference in scoring average (17.8 points) and three-point shooting (44.6%), but he’s the league’s best free-throw shooter (90.9%).

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Earl Watson played Thursday’s game with a brace to protect his sore back and right hip. He plans to shed the brace today.

“I’m trying to build my confidence back,” said Watson, who had five assists and no turnovers against Oregon State, but definitely felt a step slow.

“I didn’t feel explosive, didn’t have my regular run,” he said. “I didn’t really notice in the game. I could tell when I watched the tape [Friday] morning. I was like, ‘Man, I was limping. I wasn’t fluid at all.’ ”

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This year marks the 25th anniversary of Oregon’s victory at Pauley Pavilion that stopped UCLA’s home winning streak at 98 games. Two players on that Oregon team--which won, 65-45--were current Duck Coach Ernie Kent and assistant Greg Graham.

TONIGHT

vs. Oregon, 5

Fox Sports Net

* Site--Pauley Pavilion.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--UCLA 11-5, 5-1; Oregon 11-5, 2-4.

* Update--The Bruins, who have won nine of their last 11 games, did a nice job of playing half-court defense against Oregon State on Thursday, something they had struggled with earlier in the season. Defense will be key against Oregon, which is averaging 82.6 points a game, second in conference to Stanford (85.3). The biggest challenge for UCLA will be stopping 6-foot-7 forward Bryan Bracey, who leads the Pac-10 in scoring (19.3) and is in the top 10 in four other categories--three-point shooting (second), rebounding (ninth), free-throw shooting (ninth) and field-goal percentage (10th). Oregon has not won at Pauley Pavilion since 1984.

* Tickets--(310) 825-2101.