UCLA basketball: Reeves Nelson leads Bruins to 40-30 halftime lead over Arizona
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The old building is rocking one last time.
Behind an inspired effort from sophomore forward Reeves Nelson, UCLA has taken a 40-30 halftime lead over No. 10 Arizona on Saturday afternoon at Pauley Pavilion, the last game played at the facility before it undergoes renovations.
The 10-point advantage is big because the Bruins are 19-0 this season in games in which they have led by double digits.
Nelson had a double-double in only 20 minutes, getting 16 points on six-for-eight shooting to go with 10 rebounds and three assists. Freshman center Joshua Smith also came out aggressively, attacking the basket on the way to nine points, and sophomore forward Tyler Honeycutt added eight points.
Sophomore forward Derrick Williams had 13 points for Arizona, which shot only 38.5% to UCLA’s 58.6%. The Wildcats are hanging around in large part because they shot 13 free throws, making eight, to the Bruins’ seven attempts. UCLA has an 19-11 edge in rebounding.
The Bruins closed the half on an 11-2 run, with Smith and Nelson each converting a three-point play and Malcolm Lee going in for a dunk. Anthony Stover’s free throw in the final minute gave the Bruins the 10-point cushion.
-- Ben Bolch