The California Golden Bears (7-9, 2-7 Pac-12) had their upset bid against the No. 24 UCLA Bruins (12-2, 8-0 Pac-12) extinguished in the last 8.9 seconds of regulation.
UCLA pulled away to extend a manageable two-point lead behind two perfect free throws from sophomore guard Johnny Juzang. Juzang, the recent transfer to UCLA from the Kentucky Wildcats, contributed nine points, four rebounds and two blocks to help down the Golden Bears, 61-57, in Haas Pavilion Thursday night.
California had a one-point lead, 55-54, with four minutes remaining in regulation after senior Grant Anticevich drained his fifth three-pointer.
Anticevich had a game-high 21 points, including a perfect five-for-five record from downtown. The California forward also added three rebounds, three assists and one steal.
But UCLA gained the advantage with a 5-0 run, keeping California in a scoring drought for the next 3 minutes and 47 seconds.
The visiting Bruins limited the Golden Bears' shooting, and the home side's offensive production dropped from 58.3% in the first half to a low of 30% in the second half.
Other notable contributions for the Golden Bears include nine points from sophomore guard Jarred Hyder and eight points from graduate transfer guard Makale Foreman.
Insta-Reaction: Cal Men's Basketball Falls 57-61 in Narrow Loss to UCLA Bruins
Overall good performance though we struggled in the last few minutes
I hoped Hyder would be better...he can play in this league but is more a back-of the rotation guy right now...sigh.
MID SZN PUSH