Free-Throw Line Becomes Home

Though it might be less about Coach Steve Lavin’s claims that teams are purposely fouling UCLA players at every opportunity than the abilities of J.R. Henderson, Toby Bailey and Baron Davis to get to the basket and draw whistles, the Bruins have gone to the free-throw line at a stepped-up pace recently.

In its last two games--victories over Boise State and Saint Louis--UCLA has attempted 88 free throws and made 60.

Overall, the Bruins are averaging 30.1 attempts a game, but are making only 65.1%, one of the worst marks in the Pacific 10 Conference.

Last season, UCLA averaged 26.5 attempts and made 67.1%.

In UCLA’s eight games, Henderson has attempted 84 free throws (making 51, a percentage of 60.7), and is on a pace to break Lew Alcindor’s single-season school record of 274 tries in 1967.