With UCLA men’s basketball’s string of mid-major opponents nearing an end, the Bruins faced one of their peskier opponents this season in the University of San Diego Sunday and trail 35-33 at halftime.
Sophomore guard Bryce Alford led the way early for the Bruins, scoring 12 of UCLA’s first 19 points and dishing two assists during that stretch as well.
But San Diego repeatedly answered, scoring on a pair of dunks off backdoor cuts early in the game, then continuing to score easily inside. The Toreros finished the first half with 18 points in the paint.
Despite Alford’s hot start, hitting his first five shots, UCLA led just 19-17 after the first 10 minutes.
The Bruins played well offensively in the first half, shooting 46.2 percent, but struggled to gain separation. UCLA led by six at most in the first half and saw that disappear after a San Diego 3-pointer tied the game at 27 with 6:11 to go.
The Toreros then took a 29-27 lead on a fast-break layup as the Bruins’ offense sputtered to a halt, not scoring a field goal from the 7:08 mark until sophomore forward Wanaah Bail slammed home a dunk with 48 seconds remaining in the half.
Compiled by Kevin Bowman, Bruin Sports senior staff.