UCLA says Alfred Aboya is healthy enough to play

UCLA center Alfred Aboya was able to keep food down Tuesday night, the first time since coming down with a flu virus on Sunday.

The 6-foot-9 senior returned to practice today and is expected to start Thursday against Pacific 10 Conference leader Washington at Pauley Pavilion, a team spokesman said.

The Bruins will need his 9.6 points and 5.6 rebounds, as well as his defense against Huskies forward Jon Brockman, who ranks among the top scorers (14.9) and rebounders (11.1) in the Pac-10.

"Brockman and Aboya will be a great matchup," California Coach Mike Montgomery said. "Brockman is going to get double-figure rebounds regardless, but Aboya is as strong and as good a defender big guy as there is in the league."

-- David Wharton

Photo: Alfred Aboya lines up a foul shot against USC on Feb. 4 at Pauley Pavilion. Credit: Stephen Dunn / Getty Images