Streaking UCLA wins 6th in a row, edging Colorado 64-60 for 8th win in 9 games since losing start
UCLA forward Adem Bona (3) dribbles while defended by Colorado center Eddie Lampkin Jr., right, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, in Los Angeles. Credit: AP/Raul Romero Jr.
LOS ANGELES — Sebastian Mack scored 19 points and UCLA rallied after blowing a 14-point, second-half lead to beat Colorado 64-60 on Thursday night for its sixth consecutive victory.
The Bruins (14-11, 9-5 Pac-12) took over sole possession of third place, passing idle Oregon with their eighth win in nine games since starting the season 6-10.
“Obviously this team has grown up a lot,” Bruins coach Mick Cronin said. “Late in the game we got the job done. It's a great win.”
UCLA opened the second half with five straight points for its largest lead of the game. But the Buffs worked to erase it.
Colorado twice tied the game, first on a dunk by Tristan da Silva and then at 54-54 on his 3-pointer.
Mack and Lazar Stefanovic combined to score nine straight for the Bruins, who led 63-56.
“We stayed together. We didn't hang our heads,” Mack said. “If we stay together, we'll be able to handle the adversity.”
Colorado guard J'Vonne Hadley (1) dribbles past UCLA forward Adem Bona, left, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, in Los Angeles. Credit: AP/Raul Romero Jr.
Eddie Lampkin Jr. and Cody Williams scored back-to-back to leave Colorado trailing 63-60.
KJ Simpson blocked Dylan Andrews' jumper out of bounds. With 3 seconds left on the shot clock, Stefanovic missed a 3-pointer in front of UCLA's bench.
After Colorado's timeout, da Silva missed a layup and Stefanovic grabbed the defensive rebound. After a scramble, the Bruins gained possession on the held ball.
The Buffs were forced to foul after a timeout. Stefanovic missed the first, made the second and the Bruins hung on.
Colorado forward Tristan da Silva (23) dribbles past UCLA forward Adem Bona, center left, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, in Los Angeles. Credit: AP/Raul Romero Jr.
“We just figuring out together how to win games,” Andrews said.
Williams scored 18 points and Da Silva added 16 for the Buffaloes (16-9, 7-7). They've dropped two in a row and four of five. Simpson, who averages a team-leading 19.4 points, was held to four on 1 of 7 shooting.
Adem Bona had 14 points and seven rebounds for the Bruins. Andrews finished with 13 points.
Bona had 10 points in the half, including two highlight plays. He blocked J'Vonne Hadley and Will McClendon grabbed the defensive rebound and fed Bona for a dunk at the other end. Julian Hammond III turned the ball over and Bona dunked off McClendon's alley-oop pass to beat the shot clock.
BIG PICTURE
Colorado: Of the Buffs' six remaining regular-season games, five are against opponents who are below them in the league standings. Oregon is the only school above them.
UCLA: The Bruins play four of their final six regular-season games at home, where they are 8-4. Among the opponents coming to Pauley Pavilion are slumping rival USC and No. 5 Arizona.
UP NEXT
Colorado: Visits Southern California on Saturday.
UCLA: Hosts Utah on Sunday in the second of three straight home games.
