Controversial call lifts UCLA over SMU in Round of 64
After a controversial goaltending call on Bryce Alford's 3-point jumper lifted UCLA over SMU 60-59 with 13 seconds left, the Bruins held off the Mustangs to survive the Round of 64.
Alford finished the game with 27 points to his name - sinking a magical nine of 13 from the field and nine of 11 from beyond the arc - to keep UCLA in the battle. Norman Powell added 19, including a pair of clutch free throws with less than one minute left in the matchup to catch up to SMU.
The Mustangs came back from a deficit to earn a lead with a 19-0 run late in the second half. Nic Moore put his team on his back with 24 points and four rebounds, but missed a key 3-point jumper as the clock ran down that would have pushed his team to victory.
UCLA is now slated to face UAB, who upset Iowa State early on Thursday afternoon.