David Wharton

What a well-written article on basketball star Lisa Leslie ("The New Sports Model," by David Wharton, Aug. 8). Wharton's choice of words, as he gave us a glimpse into her world, moved me to tears. I have nothing but respect and the best of wishes for this young woman and her marvelous mother. Rose Fishkind Marina del Rey

For the second consecutive year, The Times has been recognized as one of the nation's top 10 Sports sections for daily and Sunday editions among papers with circulations of 175,000 and above in the annual judging by the Associated Press Sports Editors. In addition, Times sportswriters were recognized with top-10 awards in the explanatory journalism, beat reporting and breaking news categories. David Wharton and Baxter Holmes were recognized among the 10 best of 2011 in the explanatory category for their story detailing the finances of athletic programs in the Pac-12 Conference.

vs. Miami (Ohio), 8, Pauley Pavilion, ESPNU -- Miami defeated Weber State, 70-66, Wednesday afternoon at Pauley in the first game of the Los Angeles regional of the 2K Sports Classic. The RedHawks won in the final seconds when guard Kenny Hayes made a three-point shot and was fouled. Hayes led his team with 24 points and was seven for seven from the three-point line. Forwards Michael Bramos and Tyler Dierkers had 13 each. Miami has four senior starters back from a team that went 17-16 last season, 9-7 in the Mid-American Conference.

UCLA up next VS. USC Saturday, 4:30 p.m., Pauley Pavilion, Prime Ticket: Last season, the Bruins swept USC in the regular season, only to be upset by 10 points in the semifinals of the Pacific 10 Conference tournament. The surprising Trojans need to shake off the funk that followed their self-imposed sanctions. -- David Wharton

Up next VS. PORTLAND Thursday, approx. 8 p.m., Anaheim Convention Center, ESPN2. The young Bruins will get a quick dose of experience against a field that includes several top-25 teams in the 76 Classic tournament. They open against a Portland team that is coming off an upset victory over Oregon. The Pilots are led by guards Nik Raivio and T.J. Campbell. -- David Wharton

UCLA tonight AT CALIFORNIA When: 7:30. Where: Haas Pavilion, Berkeley. On the air: TV: FS West; Radio: 570. Records: UCLA 6-8 overall, 1-1 in Pac-10; California 9-4, 1-0. Record vs. opponent: 131-94. Update: UCLA Coach Ben Howland sees a slew of matchup problems in this game. Cal features a veteran starting five led by guards Jerome Randle and Patrick Christopher and should be tough on rebounds. -- David Wharton

UCLA tonight AT CALIFORNIA When: 7:30. Where: Haas Pavilion, Berkeley. On the air: TV: FS West; Radio: 570. Records: UCLA 6-8 overall, 1-1 in Pac-10; California 9-4, 1-0. Record vs. opponent: 131-94. Update: UCLA Coach Ben Howland sees a slew of matchup problems in this game. Cal features a veteran starting five led by guards Jerome Randle and Patrick Christopher and should be tough on rebounds. -- David Wharton