UCLA BASKETBALL NOTEBOOK: OREGON APOLOGIZES TO BRUINS.

Byline: Brian Dohn

Staff Writer

UCLA coach Ben Howland said Oregon athletic director Pat Kilkenny called to personally apologize for the vulgar and offensive treatment of Bruins freshman Kevin Love by the Ducks' fans during Thursday's game at McArthur Court.

The vulgar and profane chants questioned Love's toughness and sexuality, as did several signs held up by Oregon's students. Also, several lewd chants were directed at Kevin's father, Stan, one of the best players in Oregon history.

"He called (Monday). He called for me and I wasn't in, but it was nice of him to do that," Howland said. "That's behind us now and I'm not worried about that."

Two nights after Love's appearance, just before tip-off for Oregon's game against USC, Ducks coach Ernie Kent addressed the student section and asked them to be respectful.

"After talking to people after the (UCLA) game, we felt it was not an appropriate (response) we wanted at Mac Court," said Kent, who was asked whose responsibility it is to control the crowd. "I think it falls within the administration's responsibility, and we're part of that administration."

Love prepped at Lake Oswego High. He is Oregon's all-time high school scoring leader and won a state title as a junior.

However, Love made it clear he was thrilled about scoring 26 points and grabbing 18 rebounds in front of the volatile crowd.

"I can't tell you if there was a better feeling in my whole basketball career than just walking off that court, taking the higher road, and just feeling good about that game," Love said. "Coming back from down seven with (11) minutes to go in a hostile environment was one of my favorite games ever to win."

Mbah a Moute ready

Howland said Mbah a Moute had a CT scan -- which was negative -- worked out for about an hour Monday and was scheduled to practice Tuesday. Mbah a Moute, who missed the past two games with a concussion, is expected to play Thursday against Arizona State.

"I definitely feel better," Mbah a Moute said. "There's nothing you can do (to prevent it)."

Shipp's staying?

The chances of UCLA losing multiple underclassmen to the NBA draft is high, especially in the cases of projected mid-level first-round picks Love and point guard Darren Collison, but junior wing Josh Shipp said not to count him in the mix of players who could leave early.

"I'll be here," Shipp said. "I have another year of basketball. Why wouldn't I want to play at UCLA? I'm here at UCLA, it's a great place, and I enjoy my time here. I definitely would love to stay here."

Shipp, who is UCLA's second-leading scorer at 14.2points per game, is projected as a middle second-round selection in several mock drafts.

Odds and ends

Howland said junior wing Michael Roll (plantar fasciitis) remains "at least a few weeks" away from returning. ... ESPN's College Game Day will be at Pauley Pavilion on Saturday, with the telecast beginning at 8 a.m. However, it is only open to members of UCLA's student section, "The Den." The decision was made by UCLA's administration.

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