BY RYAN ESHOFF
LAHAINA – UCLA had its moments in the first half, but for the most part the Bruins were overwhelmed at both ends of the floor by Kansas in a semifinal game at the EA Sports Maui Invitational. The Jayhawks lead 43-26 at halftime.
The Bruins knew they would be in for a big test against Kansas, which beat Georgetown in its opening round game last night. UCLA coach Ben Howland even inserted sophomore center Joshua Smith into the starting lineup for the contest. But it was all Kansas, which was 5-for-9 from beyond the arc and 14-for-17 from the free-throw line.
Kansas guard Elijah Johnson led all scorers with 13 points, but it was a balanced effort from Kansas: all five starters scored at least six points in the half. Tyler Lamb, Lazeric Jones and Reeves Nelson each had six points to lead the Bruins, who welcomed sophomore David Wear back to the lineup but are still without the services of junior De’end Parker, out with a sprained right knee.
The winner of this semifinal matchup will face Duke tomorrow evening in the tournament championship, while the loser will meet up with Michigan in the consolation game.