Thompson Ready for Thursday Game

Dijon Thompson’s bruised knee healed enough for him to practice Monday, and it appears he will be 100% when UCLA faces Oregon State on Thursday.

The freshman guard hurt the knee bumping into another player in the second half of UCLA’s 95-92 victory over Stanford on Saturday. He did not return, ending his best performance in months.

Thompson made four of five shots, including his only three-point attempt, and four of four free throws for 13 points, one shy of his season high set against UC Irvine on Dec. 15. All the free throws came under pressure in the last two minutes.

“When my first shot went in, I felt like I would have a good rhythm,” he said. “It’s been like that. When I start strong, I do well. More than anything, I’m trying to do whatever I can to help us win.”

Thompson also has cut down on turnovers, especially his tendency to force passes into traffic. He had one turnover in 14 minutes against Stanford and has only five in the last nine games.

“I’ve been focusing on taking care of the ball and not making foolish freshman mistakes,” he said. “I want to make things happen, I just have to be smart.”