Ben Ball Roundup: Quick Game Day Notes

More injury related news heading into today's last non conference game before the start of the Pac-10 season. JS is now probable but MR banged up his knee (and was scheduled for an MRI on Sat). From the OC Register blog:

While Josh Shipp (sprained thumb) was able to practice Friday night and appears probable to play Sunday vs. Louisiana Tech, freshman guard Malcolm Lee injured his knee and is doubtful.

“Malcolm Lee’s knee locked up in the middle of practice and he was unable to finish. He will have an MRI tomorrow on his left knee,” Coach Ben Howland said.

Coach Howland also offered up the following comments re. Louisiana Tech's defense:

First, UCLA faces a 6-6 Louisiana Tech team led by guard Kyle Gibson, who is averaging 16.5 points. The Bulldogs have size inside with 6-11 Magnum Rolle and 6-10 Kenneth Cooper.

Howland said he expects them to show a number of looks ranging from a 1-3-1 zone to a three-quarter-court press.

"They're constantly changing on defense," he said.

You can check out our Bulldogs notes here.

The game is scheduled for a 12:00 pm PST tipoff. We are heading down the Westwood this am. So I will not have any time to do the usual extensive game round up. Our game thread will go up about an hour before tip off.

Have a great Sunday.

GO BRUINS.

UPDATE - N: ML's MRI was "inclusive" per Dohn. He will have another one on Monday. Dohn's report today:

Just as wing Josh Shipp is returning to health, reserve freshman guard Malcolm Lee is ailing. Lee injured his left knee in Friday's practice, and an MRI was inconclusive. The MRI is scheduled to be re-read Monday, and Lee is out indefinitely.

Howland said Shipp (thumb) was expected to play against Louisiana Tech.

But Lee's injury leaves him doubtful. It comes as Lee was playing his best basketball.

"He's gotten more opportunity with Josh being out the last two games, and I thought he took advantage of it, especially in our last game," Howland said. "He played really well against Wyoming on both ends of the floor. He's going to be a very good player. It's just a matter of experience."

Lee is averaging 8.7 points on 10-of-16 shooting the past three games, during which he has six assists and one turnover. But what does Lee need to improve?

"Just taking good care of the basketball when he has it, and being under control," Howland said. "He's probably one of our best on-ball defenders right now. ... I'm been very pleased with Malcolm."

Let's keep our fingers crossed for MR. We will need him for the Pac-10 run. GO BRUINS.