MEMPHIS, Tenn. — No. 4 seed UCLA didn’t come out intimidated against No. 1 seed Florida, a team that hasn’t lost since December.
The Bruins even consistently beat the press and managed to keep Southeastern Conference Player of the Year Scottie Wilbekin relatively in check, holding the senior to just three points on 1-of-7 shooting.
But to counter UCLA’s fight, Florida flashed size and athleticism, and that’s about all it took to earn the Gators a 36-30 halftime lead in the second of two south regional semifinals at FedExForum Thursday.
A 3-pointer from redshirt senior forward David Wear gave the Bruins a 14-11 lead with 13:29 to play, but three straight 3-pointers from the Gators ignited a seven-point swing in just under two minutes, with Florida leading 20-16 at the 11:30 mark.
The sheer size of Florida’s frontcourt players – including 6-foot-9 center Patric Young and 6-foot-8 forward Will Yeguete – made any sort of production around the rim near impossible for the Bruins, who attempted just eight free throws on the half.
Trailing 28-21 with 7:30 remaining, the Bruins hung tough. Junior guard Norman Powell poked away a Patric Young dribble and finished a fast break layup, and freshman guard Zach LaVine completed a three-point play on UCLA’s next possession to bring the Bruins within two.
UCLA posted a mediocre rebound deficit – the tally sits at 21 to 14 in favor of Florida – on the half, thanks in large part to two fouls apiece from David Wear and sophomore forward/center Tony Parker, who played just 13 minutes and one minute in the first half respectively. The Bruins didn’t record their first offensive rebound until 2:02 remained in the half and gave up six second-chance points.
David Wear leads the Bruins with seven points, while LaVine has five. Florida’s Michael Frazier II leads all scorers with nine points, all off 3-pointers.
Compiled by Andrew Erickson, Bruin Sports senior staff.