Henderson and Johnson, Late for Practice, Won’t Start Tonight

Seniors J.R. Henderson and Kris Johnson will be kept out of the starting lineup tonight against Cal State Fullerton because both were late for a 6 a.m. practice Wednesday, Coach Steve Lavin said Friday evening.

As a result, UCLA will start four freshmen--Baron Davis, Earl Watson, Travis Reed and Billy Knight--with senior Toby Bailey.

Lavin indicated that Henderson and Johnson will play and perhaps even start the second half.

Last year, Henderson was kept out of the starting lineup on three occasions for similar minor infractions, and Johnson was kept out twice. This is Johnson’s first game back from his suspension.

“It’s in the middle of final exams, so, like I told them, I understand that it’s difficult, but in fairness to the other players who are at practice, to be consistent and fair, they have to be held accountable for their actions,” Lavin said.

Lavin said Knight will start ahead of junior Brandon Loyd, who started the first four games of the season, because he wanted to make sure he got Knight some added playing time.

TONIGHT

vs. Cal State Fullerton

* 7:30 * Fox Sports West 2

Site--Pauley Pavilion.

Radio--AM 1150.

Records--No. 12 Bruins 3-1, Titans 4-2.

Update--UCLA is 7-0 against Fullerton, which is playing a team coached by a former Jim Harrick assistant for the third consecutive game. The Titans lost to Pepperdine and Lorenzo Romar on Dec. 2, beat San Diego and Brad Holland on Dec. 6 and tonight face the Bruins and Steve Lavin. Forward Ike Harmon scored a career-high 27 points to lead Fullerton over San Diego.