The UCLA Bruins had their hands full on Sunday afternoon, but were able to pull away from the Division II Cal State San Bernardino Coyotes 80-72 in an exhibition game at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California. Center Joshua Smith led the Bruins with 26 points, including 14-for-18 from the charity stripe. Reeves Nelson had 16 points and a team-high 10 rebounds for the Bruins.
The Coyotes went on a 13-0 midway through the second half, culminating in a three-pointer by D.J. Shumpert with 8:25 remaining that gave Cal State San Bernardino a 57-56 lead. UCLA outscored San Bernardino 24-13 to end the game.
Senior forward Theron Laudermill led the Coyotes with 16 points, including a pair of three-pointers, and added six rebounds.
Former UCLA point guard Darren Collison was honored at halftime as an honorary team captain. The Bruins open their regular season Friday night against the Loyola Marymount Lions at the Los Angeles Sports Arena.
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