Conditions are ripe for UCLA’s second straight upset loss here at the Sports Arena as Middle Tennesse State leads 40-32 at the half.
It’s less of a surprise when you factor in the absence of Reeves Nelson, suspended indefinitely by coach Ben Howland, and the fact that MTSU just beat the very same Loyola Marymount team that UCLA lost to Friday night.
Howland appeared puzzled at times as the Bruins let Blue Raiders continually drive to the basket with ease. Sophomore center Joshua Smith is the main reason UCLA is still in this game at the half. Smith has 11 points on four-of-four shooting, most coming off putbacks from his six offensive rebounds.
MTSU’s LaRon Dendy has hurt UCLA from far and near on his way to 11 first-half points. Guard Marcos Knight has danced his way through the lane to the tune of nine points.