This post was updated on March 21 at 12:10 p.m.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Bruins are headed back to the Sweet 16.
With a 92-75 win over the University of Alabama-Birmingham in the Round of 32 Saturday, UCLA punched its ticket to Houston for the next round of the NCAA Tournament, thanks largely to a career performance from junior forward/center Tony Parker.
Parker was dominant in the first half, lighting UAB up for 19 points on 8-for-9 shooting and six rebounds. Parker didn’t let up against a Blazer team that upset the Iowa State Cyclones Thursday by owning the boards.
However, UCLA commanded the boards this time around. By halftime, UCLA held a 21-8 rebound advantage and a 46-37 lead.
Starting the second half, the Bruins continued to pound the ball in the paint, but to a different recipient. This time it was freshman forward Kevon Looney’s turn, as he scored six of UCLA’s first eight points to push his team’s lead to 54-40.
UAB didn’t go away quietly, though. The Blazers caught fire from beyond the arc and kept their deficit within single digits for much of the second half. UAB finished shooting 12 of 26 on 3-pointers.
The Blazers drew within six, but could come no closer as the Bruins pushed their lead up to 14 with about three minutes left to play.
UCLA finished with a 41-26 rebound advantage and 52 points in the paint.
Parker had a career-high 28 points to go with his 12 rebounds, and sophomore guard Bryce Alford added 22 points and five assists.
UCLA will play the winner of Gonzaga-Iowa in Houston on Friday.
Compiled by Kevin Bowman, Bruin Sports senior staff.