Ariza Is Unable to Play

Bruin freshman Trevor Ariza, set to start at power forward, will be sidelined because of a breathing condition that could keep him out for two weeks.

Ariza, who suffers from asthma, was diagnosed with spontaneous pneumothorax -- or a collapsed lung. The presence of air between the lung and chest wall caused the lung to collapse and made breathing difficult. He displayed symptoms at practice Thursday and the condition worsened Friday.

“We’re going to err on the side of caution and make sure Trevor is completely well before he returns,” Coach Ben Howland said.

Josiah Johnson, a junior who averaged 10.2 minutes in 19 games last season, will make his first start today against Vermont. With senior T.J. Cummings ineligible, Dijon Thompson and Johnson are the only healthy forwards on the roster.

Back-up center Ryan Hollins is expected to play several minutes at forward.

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Howland has discussed UCLA’s opponent tonight in almost reverential tones -- perhaps justifiably so. After all, the Bruins dropped their opener last season to San Diego.

But the opponent is Vermont, which already has lost to Nevada and Iona.

Said Howland on Nov. 18: “We have a tough opener. They lost in the elevation to a very good Reno team.”

Said Howland on Nov. 25: “Vermont has a good team. They had a 10-point lead against Iona. They have a lot of veteran players.”

Even before coaching a game at UCLA, Howland understands the mind-set of underdogs who visit Pauley Pavilion. “Every team that comes here has everything to gain and nothing to lose,” he said.

The Catamounts are coming off consecutive 21-win seasons and made their first NCAA tournament appearance last March, losing to Arizona, 80-51.

TODAY

vs. Vermont, 5 p.m., Fox Sports West 2

Site -- Pauley Pavilion.

Radio -- XTRA 1150/690.

Records -- Vermont 0-2. UCLA 0-0.

Update -- The Catamounts boast the last two America East players of the year -- junior forward Taylor Coppenrath last season and point guard T.J. Sorrentine in 2001-02. UCLA guard Cedric Bozeman has been nursing a sprained ankle but is expected to play.