Howland patient with Mata’s struggles at line

the team’s championship, point guard Darren Collison’s most valuable player award and Arron Afflalo’s all-tournament team selection -- there was one bad statistic.

Center Lorenzo Mata has made only three of 17 free throws this season, and in the championship game against Georgia Tech, Mata was one for eight from the free-throw line. The 6-foot-9 junior, who missed all but four preseason practices after knee surgery, was thrilled when he made two free throws against Kentucky in a Maui semifinal.

Ben Howland said he is not concerned about Mata’s form or confidence at the free-throw line.

“It’s his conditioning,” the UCLA coach said. “He’s working his butt off in games, and he gets tired. His legs are weary and that’s the problem with his foul shots. As he gets back into perfect shape I don’t see the problem continuing.”

As a team, the Bruins are only shooting 60% from the foul line. “That has to get better,” Howland said.

“We’re practicing,” Afflalo said.

Also of no concern to Howland is any UCLA letdown.

The Bruins (4-0) are back home for three games against Long Beach State, UC Riverside and Cal State Fullerton before a matchup at the Wooden Classic against No. 9 Texas A&M; in Anaheim.

“I don’t think our kids will be anything but up for these games,” Howland said.

Afflalo, who said he was feeling healthy despite wearing big ice bags on his knee and elbow last weekend, said there was no way this young team that has no seniors would get swelled heads, despite beating two nationally ranked teams last week and becoming the No. 1-ranked team in the country.

“Coach Howland makes very clear that we will need to keep playing hard and practicing hard,” Afflalo said. “And then it’s up to me to police things. We’re in no way thinking that we’re better than everybody. There’s too much that can happen. Teams are going to be up for us now.”

TONIGHT

vs. Long Beach State, 7:30

Site -- Pauley Pavilion.

Radio -- 570.

Records -- UCLA 4-0, Long Beach State 2-2.

Update -- The 49ers are coming off an 18-point loss to USC and will be coming to Pauley, where the Bruins are eager to test their shiny, new No. 1 ranking. Plus, UCLA has never lost in its 10 meetings with the 49ers. The last time Long Beach beat a nationally ranked opponent was in 1994, when the 49ers upset No. 25 New Mexico State by a point. Long Beach’s success has come through defense -- it is forcing 21 turnovers per game.

diane.pucin@latimes.com