UCLA tonight

By David Wharton

Jan. 29, 2009 12 AM PT

VS. CALIFORNIA

Time: 7:30.

On the air: TV: FS West; Radio: 570.

Where: Pauley Pavilion.

Records: UCLA 15-4, 5-2; California 16-4, 5-2.

Update: With UCLA and California locked in a three-way tie for second place in the Pacific 10 Conference, the 17th-ranked Bruins face a crucial midseason test. Coach Ben Howland might use more of the bench with his team faltering late in games and some starters talking about fatigue. The Golden Bears are led by guards Jerome Randle and Patrick Christopher, averaging 19 and 15.6 points. Cal is the most accurate three-point shooting team in the conference (46.9%).

UCLA Sports

David Wharton

David Wharton has filled an array of roles – covering the courts, entertainment, sports and the second Persian Gulf War – since starting as a Los Angeles Times intern in 1982. His work has been honored by organizations such as the Society for Features Journalism and Associated Press Sports Editors and has been anthologized in “Best American Sports Writing.” He has also been nominated for an Emmy and has written two books, including “Conquest,” an inside look at USC football during the Pete Carroll era.

UCLA tonight

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