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BERKELEY — UCLA had reasons for supporting the Pacific 10 Conference tournament when it was implemented before the 2001-02 season. It would be held at Staples Center. It would be a tune-up

for the NCAA tournament. It would generate revenue for the conference. Never did the Bruins believe that only a year later the tournament would represent their last chance at redeeming a

losing season. That type of motivation was reserved for the likes of Oregon State and Washington. But after four consecutive Pac-10 losses and a 4-10 overall record, UCLA is pinning its slim

hopes on improving enough to make a run in the Pac-10 tournament. “Coaches like it because it keeps your team in a good mind-set,” Bruin Coach Steve Lavin said. “You have something to

continue to work toward.” First the Bruins must make the tournament, which takes the top eight teams. That will require a few more victories. The Bruins are seventh, one game in front of

ninth-place Oregon State. * Andre Patterson insists he is ready to play on a sprained left ankle, but Bruin trainers are more cautious, saying it will be a game-time decision. Patterson, a

sophomore forward, leads UCLA with 5.3 rebounds a game and a shooting percentage of 63.9%. He injured the ankle 1:32 into the game at Stanford and did not practice Friday. * TODAY at No. 25

California, 1 p.m., Fox Sports Net Site -- Haas Pavilion. Radio -- XTRA 1150/690. Records -- UCLA 4-10 overall, 2-4 in Pacific 10; Cal 13-2, 6-0. Update -- The Bears have won 14 in a row at

home, including a 73-68 victory Thursday over USC. UCLA has not had success at Cal recently, losing by 18 points last season and by 29 in 2001. MORE TO READ