UCLA basketball: Bruins trail No. 14 Kansas, 43-26, at halftime

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In front of a national television audience and some of the biggest movers and shakers in the basketball world, UCLA showed in the first half against Kansas that it’s not exactly ready for prime time.

Or a midnight time slot, for that matter.

The Bruins were beaten in almost every facet in falling behind No. 14 Kansas, 43-26, at halftime of their Maui Invitational semifinal Tuesday evening at the Lahaina Civic Center.

The Jayhawks closed the half on an 18-7 run, pleasing a decidedly pro-Kansas crowd that also included Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak, Boston Celtics Coach Doc Rivers and Ron Holmes, the father of top recruit Shabazz Muhammad, whom the Bruins are pursuing.

Guard Elijah Johnson scored 15 points for the Jayhawks, who shot 50% to UCLA’s 27.3%, had six more rebounds than the Bruins and one fewer turnover.

Sophomore guard Tyler Lamb scored eight points for UCLA, making a three-pointer to pull the Bruins to within 25-19 with 8:13 left before Kansas went on its run to end the half.

Despite moving back into the starting lineup, sophomore center Joshua Smith was a non-factor for UCLA, with no points, no rebounds and three fouls in only eight minutes.

Sophomore forward David Wear returned from the concussion that had sidelined him Monday against Chaminade but junior guard De’End Parker remained out with a sprained right knee.

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--Ben Bolch in Lahaina, Hawaii