UCLA NOTEBOOK : BRUINS HOPE HISTORY DOES NOT REPEAT ITSELF.

Byline: Jon Wilner Daily News Staff Writer

If the Bruins aren't sure what to expect tonight at the Sports Arena, they should check the city-series history book.

The last time both UCLA and USC were factors in the Pacific-10 race was 1992, and the Harold Miner-led Trojans swept their crosstown rivals by a combined eight points.

USC won 83-79 at the Sports Arena and 86-82 at Pauley Pavilion, but the Bruins won the Pac-10 title by a game.

``We have to go into (tonight's) game knowing they might make every shot they take,'' Bruins point guard Cameron Dollar said. ``We have to come ready to play.''

UCLA, winner of three straight since the worst loss in school history, begins a four-game trip (including Louisville and the Oregon schools) that could help determine its season.

``It's our hump trip,'' Charles O'Bannon said. ``If we get over the hump, the season will be going in the positive direction we all anticipated.

``We've talked as a team and everyone is in great spirits coming off the sweep of the Arizona schools. (In Monday's) practice you could see the confidence in everyone's shooting and demeanor. We can't have any letdowns now.''

Odds and ends: UCLA's four losses are to teams with a combined record of 59-11. Kansas is the unanimous No. 1. Stanford has been ranked all season. Illinois and Tulsa have moved in and out of the top-25. . . .

Pauley Pavilion shot clock operator Lew Friedman, the object of Arizona coach Lute Olson's tirade Saturday, was the head manager on John Wooden's last NCAA title team. . . .

With guidance from assistant Steve Spencer, Bruins center Jelani McCoy has made four consecutive free throws and raised his percentage from 28 to 36. . . .

UCLA recruit Baron Davis said Monday that he is considering eight schools: UCLA, Kansas, Duke, Georgia Tech, Clemson, Connecticut, Michigan and Georgetown.

Ankling to return: Kris Johnson will have offseason surgery to remove bone spurs from his right ankle. Until then, the junior forward must play through the pain.

``It's one of those deals where I won't be 100 percent until I have surgery,'' he said. ``I just have to accept it.''

The injury, borne of countless sprained ankles, prevents Johnson from running and jumping at full speed. His practice time is limited, as well, so conditioning is a concern.

He will play tonight.

Injury update: McCoy (knee) was sent to the training room when he could not keep pace during wind sprints. J.R. Henderson (tendinitis) also did not practice. Both returned Wednesday and were close to full strength. Henderson was thrown out late in the session for not responding to a Lavin directive. After practice, coach Steve Lavin declined to name a starting lineup.