LAVIN EXITS PAULEY WITH DIGNITY.

Byline: STEVE DILBECK

He walked into Pauley Pavilion knowing well it was likely his last time as UCLA's head basketball coach, still more the conquering general entering the streets of Rome than a man with an ax glistening overheard.

There were no jeers for Steve Lavin, no boos from the crowd. He went unnoticed, save for several supporters who stopped him to shake his hand, to nod with approval, to exchange well-wishes, stuff thank-you notes in his hand.

Two security guards flanked him as he strolled onto the arena floor in a dark suit, white shirt, stylish bright blue tie, hair slicked back in familiar fashion. The utter picture of the modern college basketball coach.

Lavin's may be the most understood firing in NCAA history. It has to be the most anticipated, what with it having been expected since football coach Bob Toledo was fired Dec. 9, if not since athletic director Dan Guerrero was hired last April.

He applauds enthusiastically as the seniors are introduced, takes off his jacket, shakes hands with an usher, and then just before tipoff, walks around behind the Bruins bench and shakes hands with John Wooden.

Is it one more game in a trying season, a conclusion to a too-often beleaguered career, a game to extend the death watch?

A bid to the Pacific-10 Tournament is at stake for the winner of Saturday's game against Washington. Something important to play for, yet if it were an outdoor arena you'd look for circling vultures.

The game begins and Lavin squats in front of the scorer's table, cups his hands, shouts directions while the play is on UCLA's side.

His right shoulder is bothering him, and he rubs in, swings his arm back and forth beneath him, not unlike a guillotine.

``Actually during the first timeout, I was a little demonstrative with a gesture I made in terms of throwing elbows,'' Lavin said. ``I pulled something up there. It's been that kind of season.''

The Bruins get off to a slow start. Have trouble on the offensive boards, getting back on the break, turn the ball over after timeouts, struggle with the inside game.

Problems that have plagued them throughout the season. Washington, starting four freshmen and a sophomore, breaks out to a 21-7 lead.

And you wonder what's going through Lavin's mind. Just focusing on the next possession, fighting the thought that this could all be the end?

He's standing on the sideline now, dapper as always, pulling on his cuffs, hands folded across his chest, hands in his pockets, hands clapping encouragement.

The Bruins can't seem to get into any rhythm. Too many turnovers, too many loose balls ending up in Huskies' young hands, too many balls going in and out of the basket.

UCLA makes a little run, Washington answers. Lavin is still swinging his right arm.

He never sits. He never has. Seven years as UCLA's head basketball coach and he still doesn't have a seat on the bench.

Washington takes a 36-26 lead in at the half, and Lavin walks off the Pauley floor alone, save for the two flanking security guards. He's done this over a hundred times before, but never for a last time.

The second half begins and the Bruins show life, the Huskies start looking young. The Bruins put together a run and a Dijon Thompson 3-pointer gives UCLA its first lead at 50-49. Ray Young finds Andre Patterson inside and Lavin pumps a fist.

The Bruins push their lead to 65-52 on a rare hook shot by Jason Kapono, and Wooden - the great shadow over all UCLA coaches who have followed him - is no longer in the building.

When Thompson hits another 3-pointer, Lavin actually flashes a rare game-time smile.

Lavin is squatting in front of the scorer's table again. He's forgotten about his sore shoulder.

As the game ends an 83-72 UCLA victory, Lavin slightly pumps two fists and students actually storm the court. Lavin shakes hands with Washington coach Lorenzo Romar. This time four security guards flank him as he leaves the floor.

An elderly man in a UCLA sweatshirt breaks through and gives him a giant hug.

``Didn't know him,'' Lavin said.

He walks to the door before the UCLA locker room and waves to fans. A few call his name. Lavin has been realistic about the coming end for weeks now, but he is plainly enjoying this moment.

He started here as a volunteer assistant. He coached the Bruins to five Sweet 16s in the past seven years. It hasn't all been bad. Now there is just a finality to it all.

``It kind of completed the loop,'' he said. ``It just makes me feel as if I can only be grateful and thankful for the incredible opportunity. Although I regret that we didn't hang a 12th national championship banner and didn't have a better regular season in our final year.''

Tonight's reward is a game against No.1 Arizona, but when he comes back on court for his postgame radio interview, the remaining fans applaud him. Almost like they're waving goodbye.