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Ryan Hollins started Wednesday against USC, scoring seven points and grabbing six rebounds in 30 min

Mired in a nine-game losing streak, the UCLA men’s basketball team just hasn’t been able to solve its opponents’ big men.

In the season opener, the University of San Diego’s Jason Keep (6-foot-10, 290) scored 30 points and grabbed 16 rebounds as UCLA lost 86-81 in overtime.

Nearly three months later, the Bruins had the same problems with Oregon State’s Philip Ricci (6-foot-7, 253). Last Saturday, he scored a career-high 26 points to complement 14 rebounds as the Beavers tallied their first victory at Pauley Pavilion in four years.

This weekend against Georgetown, UCLA (4-14, 2-8 Pac-10) may lose at the hands of another big man – junior forward Mike Sweetney (6-feet-7-inches, 260 pounds).

“Collectively you have to pick your poison with a player that is dominant,” UCLA head coach Steve Lavin said. “We have to collectively defend (Sweetney) and send bodies at him.”

Sweetney, an All-American candidate, is having a career year, averaging 22.7 points and 10.1 rebounds per game.

“As a result, he’s going to give other guys good looks,” Lavin added of his presence.

The Bruins have not had an answer for a player like him all season – but have reason to hope.

There has been some life in the Bruins’ inside game over the last three games. Freshman Ryan Hollins averaged seven points and seven rebounds in that timespan.

Earlier in the season Hollins was lucky to even play one minute. He may help the Bruins win with his 6-foot-11-inch advantage, but pound for pound Sweetney has a huge advantage over the 215-pound Hollins.

Maybe Lavin will let loose his only visibly strong player – freshman football and basketball player Marcedes Lewis (6-foot-6, 240). Lewis would love to get the opportunity to beat up the opposition considering he has been with the basketball team only for the losing streak.

“If I get in, I think great things can happen,” he said. “I will be ready when coach calls on me.

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A Bruin basketball game will be televised on CBS for the fourth time this season. UCLA is currently 0-4 in the national spotlight with its recent loss on ABC, to Arizona, 87-52. The game versus Georgetown (10-8, 2-6 Big East) tips off at 10 a.m PST.

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Oregon State’s Brian Jackson was named Pac-10 Player of the Week after averaging 22.0 points and 6.5 rebounds in two games.