CHP-NFL BASKETBALL GAME TO AID CHARITY.

Byline: Stacy Brown Daily News Staff Writer

In preparation for their big game tonight, the California Highway Patrol has held grueling practices and exercises in expectation of a hard-fought battle against legendary National Football League heroes.

CHP spokesman Doug Sweeney said two-hour practices have been the normal schedule this week as they prepare to take on Oakland Raiders greats Otis McKinney, Cliff Branch and Rod Martin, who will team up with San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl champions Dana McLemore, Bubba Parris, Guy McIntyre and others in the 7:30 p.m. charity basketball game at College of the Canyons beginning.

``We practiced again (Friday night), we're ready, it's going to be fun,'' Sweeney said. Tickets, which sell for $13, are still available at the school. The game will benefit the California Highway Patrolmen's Widows and Orphans Trust Fund, established in 1929 to benefit families of slain officers.

All past Raiders and 49er greats who have played in at least one of the teams' Super Bowl seasons have been invited to participate in the game. CHP officers declined to challenge the legends at their favorite sport, citing the skills and builds of the former players.