In a dramatic Pac-12 basketball matchup, the University of Arizona Wildcats completed a stunning comeback against the UCLA Bruins, overcoming a significant deficit to secure a 77-71 victory. Despite being favored by 18.5 points over UCLA, Arizona faced a tough challenge as the Bruins surged ahead with a 19-point lead in the first half and maintained a 17-point lead into the second. Pelle Larsson's standout performance, which included 22 points and 4 assists, was pivotal in Arizona's rally. His contribution, alongside Oumar Ballo's 17 points and 13 rebounds, helped the Wildcats to outscore the Bruins in the second half, where UCLA's shooting percentage dropped from 58.3% to 34.4%. Arizona's free throw accuracy also played a crucial role, with the team making 25 of 29 attempts compared to UCLA's 12 of 14. The Bruins, who led 37-28 at halftime, were unable to protect their lead, marking a significant turnaround following their 46-point loss at Stanford.
UCLA can't protect 19-point lead as upset bid fades in loss to Arizona https://t.co/n5RRf92VwX
NO. 12 ARIZONA COMPLETES THE COMEBACK AGAINST UCLA 😱 @ArizonaMBB https://t.co/gZG08jB15t
FINAL: Arizona 77, UCLA 71 (never in doubt) UCLA 1st-half shooting: 58.3% UCLA 2nd-half shooting: 34.4% FTs: Arizona 25-29, UCLA 12-14 Larsson 22 points (6-12 FG, 8-8 FT), 4 assists, 3 rebounds Ballo 17 points (5-8 FG, 7-8 FT!!!), 13 rebounds KJ Lewis 13 points (3-4 FG, 6-6…
Arizona comes back from a 19-point deficit and beats rival UCLA 77-71 in final Pac-12 matchup at McKale. Pelle Larsson with some huge plays on both ends of the court down the stretch and Oumar Ballo made key free thrower.
Arizona comes back to knock off UCLA. Trailed by 19 points in the first half, 17 points in the second. Come out with a six-point win. Pelle Larsson was terrific for the Wildcats. Finished with 22 points, 4 assists, had 14 in second half — also brought some defensive toughness.
Looks like UCLA's valiant effort is going to fall short. Credit to Arizona for this comeback.
HUGE three from Sebastian Mack rolls in. UCLA up 58-52.
Arizona is 0-8 from three in the half, but it is going to keep shooting them damn it.
UCLA now up 17 at Arizona in the second half. Long way to go. But not that long. Would mark an incredible turnaround for the Bruins following their 46-point loss at Stanford.
UCLA is up 45-28 with 15:45 left. Stunning.
MACK ATTACK Six quick Sebastian Mack points have extended UCLA's lead to 43-28 with 18:05 left.
HALFTIME: UCLA 37, No. 12 Arizona 28. In Tucson. Bruins led by as many as 19 before Arizona finished the half on a 15-5 run.
Huge baskets from Adem Bona to stem the run. UCLA up 37-26.
Arizona is getting run right now. Embarrassing effort by the Wildcats.
UCLA up 28-13 at Arizona in the first half. Hmmmmm....
Meanwhile ... UCLA 25, Arizona 13 Bruins are 5-8 from 3. Wildcats' perimeter coverage, a season-long issue, proving problematic again so far.
Wow. A few boos from Arizona students after Will McClendon hits a three to put UCLA up 25-13. Bruins have made 10 of 17 shots and 5 of 8 threes while forcing 4 turnovers and committing just one.
UCLA is 5-8 from beyond the arc. Wildcats down 25-13 and Tommy Lloyd takes timeout. Awful defensive effort and rotation so far.
Call him LASER Stefanovic. Made all four shots, including three threes. UCLA up 22-13.
UCLA 15, Arizona 9, 13:29 left 1H. Bruins are 3-5 from 3. Wildcats are 1-5. That's basically the difference so far.
What happens today between UCLA and Arizona?
Sierra Canyon has turned a 58-50 deficit into a 68-58 lead over Harvard-Westlake with 1:17 left. 18-0 run.
1:59 to go, UCLA forces a turnover. Timeout Buffs, facing their biggest deficit of the night at 68-62. #cubuffs
UCLA with its big lead, 67-62 with under 3 to play
Now Vonleh gets her third on a Kiki Rice layup. UCLA with a 55-53 lead and Rice will head to the FT line after a timeout. 7:36 to go #cubuffs
UCLA with its big lead of the night at 51-48
Arizona is favored by 18.5 over UCLA