With match ups against No. 9 Gonzaga and No.1 Kentucky looming, UCLA got a tough challenge against a less heralded opponent Sunday. UCLA came back to beat San Diego 75-68 after trailing by two at halftime.
After jumping out to an early six-point lead behind sophomore guard Bryce Alford’s hot shooting, UCLA’s offense began to stagnate. Meanwhile, its defense struggled to limit San Diego inside, allowing 18 points in the paint in the first half and being out-rebounded by a shorter San Diego team in the first half.
The Bruins quickly tied the score early into the second half, but neither team found a way to gain separation, matching each others’ scores.
UCLA’s defense stepped up in the second half though, holding San Diego to just 3 for 14 shooting to open the half while UCLA shot 7 for 13 to start the period. Eventually the disparity led to a lead, the Bruins jumping ahead 50-43 for their largest lead of the night up to that point.
UCLA maintained that lead for the remainder of the game to escape with the win.
Alford led the Bruins in scoring with 22 points and added six assists. Freshman forward Kevon Looney scored 18 and grabbed 11 rebounds.
Compiled by Kevin Bowman, Bruin Sports senior staff.