UCLA and Michigan just tipped off and the winner will face Duke tomorrow in the championship game.
UCLA finds Alfred Aboya in the post on its first possession, and Aboya gets off a good look, but fires long.
Two quick fouls on Aboya and Collison.
James Keefe hits a three-pointer from the same area where he drained a huge one against Miami Ohio. Coach Ben Howland called that three against Miami lucky.
A nice jumper from Jrue Holiday and UCLA leads 7-1 early.
Collison penetrates to put UCLA ahead 9-1; a much better start than either of the past two games for the Bruins.
There is a decent-sized section of UCLA fans behind the Bruins’ bench, and they’re making much more noise than the Michigan fans here.
Aboya’s foul trouble is always a concern for UCLA and they just replaced him with freshman Drew Gordon after he committed his first foul early. Aboya has only committed one foul the team’s first two games. Coach Ben Howland said "it’s definitely something Aboya has heard a lot about."
Jrue Holiday hits a three to put UCLA up five and then blocks a Manny Harris three-pointer on the other end. Needless to say, it’s a better start than his last game against Miami when he committed two early fouls.
Another lay-up for Collison. He and Holiday have both asserted themselves early.
Holiday has seven of UCLA’s 16 points and the Bruins have a 6 point lead.
J’Mison Morgan, UCLA’s much-hyped freshmen center, has not played yet with 10 minutes remaining in the first half.
Michigan’s defense has stepped up and forced a few turnovers and the Wolverines are now right back in it, down one point. 20-19.
Another nice basket by Holiday, he now has nine points.
Nikola Dragovic finds an open spot in the Michigan zone and Darren Collison hits him with a sharp pass for an easy layup. UCLA 24, Michigan 19.
A nice three from Dragovic. You can see why Howland said the team missed him against Prairie View A&M, he’s one of the most versatile players on the court.
UCLA is rolling. A huge block from Holiday and nice, pull-up jumper from Collison gives the Bruins a 10-point lead.
At the half, it’s UCLA 29-23.