It took five games, but the UCLA Bruins finally picked up a win over a Division I opponent Monday night, defeating the Pepperdine Waves 62-39 before a sparse crowd at the Los Angeles Sports Arena. UCLA (2-4) snapped a two-game losing streak with the win.
Lazeric Jones led the Bruins with 14 points, four assists, and six steals in the win. UCLA held Pepperdine to 31.3% shooting on the night (15 for 48), and forced 15 turnovers. The Waves led 7-6 with 11:29 remaining in the first half but surrendered a 20-2 run by UCLA, who took the lead for good.
Travis Wear and David Wear helped control the middle for the Bruins, combining for 18 points, 17 rebounds, and five blocked shots. Travis Wear also took an inadvertent elbow to the mouth with 12:02 remaining in the game. He went to the locker room for treatment, but later came back into the game.
The Bruins next host the Texas Longhorns on Saturday afternoon at the Sports Arena. The Waves also play next on Saturday, hosting the Hawaii Warriors at Firestone Fieldhouse in Malibu.
For more UCLA basketball news and information, be sure to read Bruins Nation.
The UCLA Bruins are in search of their first win against a Division I opponent this season, and in the first half Monday night it looked like they might get it. The Bruins went on a 20-2 run and took a 28-11 lead over the Pepperdine Waves into halftime at the Los Angeles Sports Arena.
In their now nine halves against Division one opponents this season, the Bruins (1-4) have outscored their opponent in only two halves, including Monday night.
With 11:21 left in the first half, the Waves led an ugly game 7-6. But UCLA went on their 20-2 run and kept their 17-point margin into the break. Both David Wear and Travis Wear scored six points apiece to lead the Bruins, who shot 44.0% from the field (11 for 25). Travis Wear also pulled down 10 rebounds.
UCLA held the Waves to 26.3% shooting (five for 19) from the field, including missing all three shots from beyond the arc. Corbin Moore led the Waves with six points and four rebounds in the first half, making three of his first four shots.
For more UCLA basketball news and information, be sure to read Bruins Nation.
