The No. 7 seed UCLA Bruins built a huge lead, as many as 23 points in the second half, then held on to defeat the No.10 Michigan St. Spartans, 78-76, in the first round of the 2011 NCAA Tournament. The Bruins missed 17 of 47 free throws, which allowed the Spartans to make a furious comeback, but UCLA held on for the win. The Bruins will continue their march through the March Madness bracket, facing the No. 2 seed Florida Gators on Saturday in Tampa.
Reeves Nelson had a double-double for UCLA with 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Nelson was one of four Bruins to score in double figures. Tyler Honeycutt and Malcolm Lee had 16 points apiece for the Bruins, and Joshua Smith scored 14 for the Bruins. Draymond Green led the Spartans with 23 points.
UCLA led 42-24 at halftime.
For more UCLA Bruins hoops news and information, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Bruins Nation. For more information on Michigan St., be sure to read The Only Colors. For the full NCAA tournament bracket, click here.