Halo

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - UCLA center Ryan Hollins bruised his right thigh just above the knee in a collision with teammate Alfred Aboya during practice Friday.

Hollins didn't participate in the Bruins' open practice at the RCA Dome later in the afternoon.
"It hurts pretty bad and it swelled up," he said.

Coach Ben Howland had already said backup center Michael Fey, who hasn't played since a first-round win over Belmont, would see action Saturday against LSU.

"We hope Ryan is going to be OK," Howland said. "Without Ryan Hollins' productivity, we would not be here."

Hollins was going to receive more treatment later Friday.

"There's nothing that's going to hold me back," he said. "I still have a pulse, you're going to see the same intensity, the same fire from me. It's not going to be an issue or an excuse."

Aboya was also involved in breaking teammate Lorenzo Mata's nose in practice Wednesday night. Mata was going for a rebound and caught Aboya's elbow in his face. Mata, who also broke his nose in January, will wear a protective mask Saturday.

Hollins dismissed a suggestion that Aboya is a jinx.

"He's a tough, physical player, and that's how we play in practice and that's how it's translated over to the game," Hollins said. "I'd take a few more injuries if he's going to bring that intensity in the game."

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