Locked in a defensive struggle, UCLA and USC are playing as tight at their stat sheets suggested they might.
The Trojans (9-6) lead the Bruins (9-5) 36-32 at the 17:16 mark in the second half at the Galen Center.
Reeves Nelson has been integral to keeping the Bruins in the game after they trailed by as much as eight. The sophomore forward is five-for-seven with 12 points.
After picking up an early reaching foul, freshman center Josh Smith played substantial minutes and finished the half with only one foul. Then, within the first two minutes of the half, he picked up two quick personals and exited the game.
Nikola Vucevic leads the Trojans with 11 points and picked up two fouls guarding Nelson.