The Bruins (31-3) enjoyed some blowout victories early in the season, including six by 30 or more points. The biggest was a 40-point rout of Western Illinois.

In their recent run of tight games since March 2, they won four by a combined nine points and needed overtime against Stanford before winning by 10 to clinch the Pac-10 regular-season title.

Their only breather in that stretch was a 22-point victory against California in the Pac-10 tournament quarterfinals. UCLA is on a 10-game winning streak.

``I just hope we have another game like that,'' coach Ben Howland said. ``We were up by 30 and that actually afforded us to get some rest for the guys for the next game the next day. But that's a good problem. I can't even imagine thinking that way right now.''

Neither can his players, at least publicly. But it's clear the Bruins are looking ahead on what they hope is the road to the school's record 12th national championship.

``We know we have a bigger goal in mind,'' said Kevin Love, featured on a regional Sports Illustrated cover this week, his second of the season.

``We might get a chance to rest for the next game, which is going to be crucial coming down the stretch. When that (a blowout) happens, we just have to keep our mind focused on what we want to accomplish.''

Love, the Pac-10 player and freshman of the year, strained his lower back in the opening minute of Saturday's Pac-10 tourney title game against Stanford. He continues to receive treatment - ice, massage, stretching and electric stimulation - on it.

    2:30PM      Kentucky at (25) Marquette

    9:55 PM     Mississippi Valley State at (3) UCLA