New Splint Could Help Watson

Did Earl Watson leave the secret to his success on a table in New York?

The point guard tore a tendon in his right pinky three days before the Bruins’ opener. Watson had 17 assists and three turnovers against Kansas and Kentucky in New York, then 18 assists and 18 turnovers in the last three games.

He accidentally left his original splint behind in New York, he said, and didn’t think twice about the heavier splint trainers provided as a replacement. After he committed eight turnovers in Saturday’s 72-67 loss to Georgia Tech, he asked for--and received--a lighter splint.

“It’s more comfortable,” Watson said. “Hopefully this will bring me some good luck.”

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Freshman T.J. Cummings will start ahead of Matt Barnes on Saturday against Hawaii, Coach Steve Lavin said, and not only because of Cummings’ improving play and Barnes’ experience coming off the bench. Barnes tipped over a table as he left the court after the loss to Georgia Tech, then shouted back when assistant coach Steve Spencer told Barnes to pick up the table and control his emotions.

Barnes, who has started all five games, played three minutes in the second half.

“It was stupid,” Barnes said.