Crossing Fingers/Saying A Prayer

When Darren Collison went to UCLA's bench in the second half, it seemed like a customary move to rest a starter during a blowout.

However, the point guard injured his left knee Friday in a 111-61 exhibition victory against Azusa Pacific and will have an MRI today. Collison had his knee wrapped and was on crutches after the game.

Coach Ben Howland said the worst-case scenario is a meniscus tear. That could mean a four-to-six week rehabilitation and possible arthroscopic surgery.

Collison never limped off the court. He scored the game's first points off a steal and one-handed dunk, so perhaps he came down awkwardly on the court after that play. Collison was meeting with a doctor and his parents after the game.

Asked if he heard something pop, Collison said: "A little. We'll see."

Howland said he was "really concerned." The only indication of an injury - even to the coaching staff - was a couple of minutes into the game, when Collison stood near halfcourt rubbing his knee and shaking it a bit. He continued to play 17 minutes in the first half - and even nine minutes in the second half.

"The good news is there was no swelling, and normally with a torn meniscus you have some swelling," Howland said.

If Collison has a serious injury, Howland said, "Obviously that's a huge problem." Although the Bruins have significant frontcourt depth, there is no clear-cut replacement for Collison.

Howland said he wouldn't begin to speculate on how he might redo his lineup if Collison needs to sit out a significant time. "I'm not even going to do that, what-ifs, what-ifs," Howland said.

Collison's parents, June and Dennis, were brought into the locker room after the game to speak to Collison and UCLA's doctors and June said afterward, "We don't even need to speculate until the MRI."

Collison had reportedly flirted with leaving for the NBA after his sophomore season, and ESPN analyst Jay Bilas had called Collison the best point guard in the country at UCLA's tipoff dinner this week.

Sophomore Russell Westbrook, who started at the shooting guard spot, said he has practiced at point guard every day in practice. If Collison must sit out, Westbrook said, "It will be all right."