No. 12 Arizona rallies from big deficit to stop UCLA

Field Level Media|published: Sat 20th January, 18:54 2024

Jan 20, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Pelle Larsson (3) makes a pass to guard Jaden Bradley (0) against UCLA Bruins guard Dylan Andrews (2) during the first half at McKale Center. credits: Zachary BonDurant-USA TODAY Sports

Pelle Larsson scored 22 points, sparking No. 12 Arizona's comeback from a 17-point second-half deficit Saturday as the Wildcats rallied past rival UCLA 77-71 in Tucson, Ariz.

Arizona (14-4, 5-2 Pac-12) made 22 of 23 free throws in the second half and survived a wild last minute against the Bruins (8-11, 3-5), who were making their final scheduled appearance in McKale Center.

Larsson provided a huge basket with a rebound and short jumper with 52 seconds left for a 75-71 lead. UCLA's Dylan Andrews then turned over the ball on an offensive foul.

The Bruins quickly got the ball back on a traveling call but missed three 3-pointers before retaining possession on a held ball.

UCLA then missed another 3-pointer and fouled Oumar Ballo, who made both attempts with 19.0 seconds left. UCLA's Will McClendon missed one more deep shot attempt as Arizona escaped with the win.

Ballo had a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds. He entered the game shooting 43.5 percent from the free-throw line but made 7 of 8 against UCLA. Caleb Love scored 14.

Sebastian Mack scored 21 to lead the Bruins. Lazar Stefanovic had 17 points and eight rebounds.

UCLA, which entered shooting 29.6 percent from 3-point range, was hot at the start, making six of its first nine shots from behind the arc. Stefanovic hit three during the early blitz and he capped a 13-0 run with two free throws that gave the Bruins their largest lead at 32-13 with 7:40 to go.

Although the Wildcats closed the half on a surge, UCLA led 37-28 at halftime and extended the lead by holding Arizona scoreless for more than four minutes to start the second half, going up 45-28.

The Wildcats whittled away and later used a 7-0 run to get within 55-52 before tying the game at 60 with 6:04 left when Larsson converted 4 of 4 free throws when he was fouled on a drive and UCLA coach Mick Cronin picked up a technical foul for arguing the call.

Arizona took its first lead since the opening minute when Love attacked on a fast break and converted a three-point play for a 67-65 lead at the 4:14 mark.

—Field Level Media