Bears Coming Out of Hibernation

California guard Geno Carlisle, a transfer from Northwestern, has become the most dangerous newcomer in the Pacific 10 Conference, averaging 19.8 points since becoming eligible to play six games ago.

Carlisle--who will probably be guarded by Toby Bailey--has been on a roll heading into tonight’s game against UCLA, scoring 81 points in his last three games, including 25 in a losing effort at Stanford.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if [Cal’s] best basketball is in the second half as Geno Carlisle acclimates to the program,” Bruin Coach Steve Lavin said. “The second half of league, I expect Cal to have as good a showing as anyone.”

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Not surprisingly, since the two UCLA freshmen have both played more than 80% of the minutes this season, Lavin said Baron Davis and Earl Watson are nursing an assortment of minor injuries and have been limping around like old men.

TONIGHT at California

* 7:30

* Fox Sports Net

Site--Oakland Arena.

Radio--AM 1150.

Records--Eighth-ranked Bruins 12-2, 2-1; Golden Bears 5-6, 1-2.

Update--Although California has been UCLA’s nemesis at Pauley Pavilion (winning four of the last five, including a 71-68 victory last season), the Bruins have won three in a row on Cal’s home court. Last year’s 64-56 victory at the Cow Palace was one of the season’s pivotal moments for UCLA, coming only two days after the 48-point humiliation at Stanford, the Bruins’ worst defeat ever. The Golden Bears start two towers, 6-foot-11 Sean Marks and 6-10 Kenyon Jones, but Jones is averaging only 3.4 rebounds a game.