Who: No. 7 UCLA (last game: 60-58 win over USC) vs. Utah

When: 8 p.m. PT

Where: Pauley Pavilion | Los Angeles, Calif.

TV: Pac-12 Networks

Last meeting: 63-58 UCLA (Jan. 20, 2022)

All-time series: UCLA leads 15-10

After the first 20 minutes of Monday’s men’s basketball practice, UCLA head coach Mick Cronin had point guard Tyger Campbell head to the exercise bike for the rest of the session in an effort to save the redshirt senior’s legs.

Each January around this time, Cronin makes it a point to “cut practice drastically” and spend more time looking at film and taking part in more walkthroughs.

Campbell, though, tried to get back on the court.

“He kept trying to get off (the bike),” Cronin said. “I kept telling him to be Lance Armstrong.”

Part of the strategy is energy conservation and the other part is a way to ensure his players are “excited at game time.”

“I’m a big believer in that,” Cronin added.

An 11-game winning streak later, it seems to be working.

The energy of his team is particularly important with the No. 7-ranked Bruins’ shortened rotation and the injury to starting guard Amari Bailey, who is expected to miss his fourth consecutive game with left foot discomfort Thursday when UCLA (14-2, 5-0 Pac-12 Conference) hosts Utah at 8 p.m.