UCLA Advances Over SMU In 2nd-Round Thriller
WESTWOOD (CBSLA.com) — The UCLA Bruins are moving on in the NCAA tourney.
The 18th-seeded Bruins topped Southern Methodist University 60-59 in Louisville on Thursday in the second round of the tourney.
Despite a late-game run by the Mustangs, the Bruins jumped out ahead after a goaltending call on a Bryce Alford three-point shot attempt with just seconds left in regulation.
Alford's points came on nine long-range shots but his last attempt was the most debated as his shot from the left side appeared to glance off the rim as SMU's Yanick Moreira went up to grab the miss. Officials awarded Alford, the son of coach Steve Alford, the basket, to the disbelief of SMU players and coach Larry Brown.
The Mustangs (27-7) had two shots to win in the final seconds, but Nic Moore missed a 3-pointer and then a 2-point attempt that sent the Bruins (21-13) into a wild celebration.
UCLA, the team many felt didn't even belong in the field of 68, advanced to Saturday's round of 32 against No. 14 UAB, an upset winner over No. 3 Iowa State.
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