Ariza Is Cleared to Play

Freshman forward Trevor Ariza is cleared to make his debut tonight, good news for the short-handed Bruins.

Ariza was diagnosed with a collapsed lung on Thanksgiving Day and has not played. He practiced lightly Thursday, stepped up the pace Friday and will play against Loyola Marymount, one game sooner than anticipated.

“His minutes will be very limited,” Coach Ben Howland said. “I’m very happy for Trevor and I’m excited for our team to have him back in the lineup.”

Ariza, the Bruins’ leading rebounder in two exhibitions, will have an X-ray on Monday to monitor his progress.

Senior forward T.J. Cummings will learn whether he has re-gained his eligibility early next week. The fall quarter ended Friday.

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Although Bruin coaches are trying to arrange a Dec. 20 recruiting visit for Michael Thompson, a 6-foot-10 sophomore center who left Duke Nov. 30, most observers say there is a slim chance he would transfer to UCLA.

Thompson, a former McDonald’s All-American from Joliet, Ill., left the Blue Devils because he believed he was not playing enough. The Bruins already have two sophomore centers, Michael Fey and Ryan Hollins.

If Thompson decided to transfer to UCLA before the winter quarter begins Jan. 5, he would only have to sit out next fall rather than the entire season. Thompson, who averaged 1.3 points and 0.5 rebounds in 16 games last season and scored seven points in three games this season, also plans to visit Notre Dame and Texas before Jan. 1.

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A limited number of upper-level seats for the UCLA game against Michigan State next Saturday are available. A court dedication to Nell and John Wooden will begin at 3 p.m. and tip-off is at 3:30.

TONIGHT

vs. Loyola Marymount, 7:30

Site -- Pauley Pavilion.

Radio -- XTRA 1150/690.

Records -- Loyola Marymount 5-1. UCLA 2-1.

Update -- Coach Steve Aggers has turned around the Lions in four years after taking the reins with the program at rock bottom. Loyola is off to its best start in eight years. “They are playing with a lot of confidence and have won close games,” Howland said. “They run more sets than anyone we’ve played so far.” The Lions lost to Nevada Las Vegas, 78-61, after winning five in a row.