Watson Plays Without Splint

After playing with various splints in the Bruins’ first five games, Earl Watson decided to play Saturday with nothing protecting his injured right pinkie.

Watson sustained a torn tendon in the finger Nov. 6. After committing eight turnovers in a 72-67 loss to Georgia Tech Dec. 2, he first considered taking himself out of the lineup and then considered using a lighter splint.

After practicing without a splint and without pain Friday, Watson decided to try playing without a splint in Saturday’s 84-64 victory over Hawaii. He had two turnovers, made five of seven shots and reported no discomfort.

Watson said doctors are to examine the finger this week. If the finger is not healing properly, Watson said, surgery would be necessary.

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Coach Steve Lavin removed freshman forward Terry Cummings from the starting lineup after Cummings reported late for a 12:30 pregame shoot-around that he thought started at 1:30. Billy Knight started in place of Cummings.

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Jason Kapono’s streak of consecutive free throws made ended at 28.

* Saturday vs. UC Irvine, 7:30, Pauley Pavilion, Fox Sports Net 2--The Anteaters (3-1) beat California, 56-52, Dec. 2. The Anteaters and Bruins have split four games.