UCLA Beats Washington State 58-54 In OT, Clinches 2nd Seed In Pac-10 Tournament

Pullman, WA (Sports Network) - Reeves Nelson posted 23 points and eight rebounds to lead UCLA Bruins to a thrilling 58-54 overtime victory over the Washington State Cougars in Pac-10 Conference action. Malcolm Lee tallied 11 points for UCLA (22-9, 13-5 Pac-10), which got 10 points apiece from Tyler Honeycutt and Joshua Smith. Honeycutt also pulled down 10 rebounds. Brock Motum had 15 points in defeat for Washington State (19-11, 9-9), which was forced to play without star Klay Thompson and point guard Reggie Moore. The leading scorer in the Pac-10, Thompson was suspended after being cited for marijuana possession on Thursday. Moore sat because of injury.

Washington State exploded out of the gates to a 32-19 lead at intermission after holding UCLA to 28 percent shooting from the floor in the first half. The Bruins shot better in the second half and held the Cougars to 31.8 percent field goal efficiency over the final 20 minutes. Washington State missed four of its six foul shots in that stanza, and the score was deadlocked at 48-48 heading into the extra session. Lee came through with four free throws in the final seconds of overtime to claim the win for the Bruins.

For more information on today's game, be sure to read Bruins Nation.

UCLA Ends Regular Season Against Klay Thompson-Less Washington State

The UCLA Bruins look to end their regular season on a high note with a battle in Pullman against the Washington State Cougars. The Bruins with a win can clinch the second seed in next week's Pac-10 Tournament, and they will attempt to do so facing a Cougars team without their leading scorer. Klay Thompson was cited for marijuana possession after Thursday's win over USC, and as a result was suspended for today's contest.

The Bruins, who have won 12 of their last 15 games, can clinch the No. 2 seed in the Pac-10 tourney with either a win today, or a Washington loss to USC. The No. 2 seed gets to play a team that played on the opening day of the tournament, while the No. 3 seed plays the No. 6 seed, who gets the first day off. The No. 6 seed will be either the Cougars, USC, or Cal.

UCLA has beaten the Cougars 17 straight times in Pullman, and they have won 34 of their last 36 meetings overall. The Bruins lead the all-time series between the two schools, 98-14. UCLA beat Washington State 80-71 on December 29 at Pauley Pavilion. Today's 2:30 p.m. PST contest will be televised by Prime Ticket. Steve Physioc and Ernie Kent will broadcast the game.

For more information on today's game, be sure to read Bruins Nation.