UCLA 1st team through to Sweet Sixteen as Parker dominates paint against UAB

The team no one wanted to see in the NCAA tournament is now through to the Sweet Sixteen.

No. 11 seed UCLA advanced to the tournament's second weekend after taking care of business against No. 14 seed UAB, claiming a decisive 92-75 victory. With the win, No. 11 seeds are now 5-0 all-time against No. 14 seeds.

The Bruins were able to dominate the paint, scoring 50 points in that area. UAB was able to hang around thanks to an uncharacteristically strong shooting day from long range. The Blazers hit on 12 of their 26 attempts from beyond the arc.

The big reason for UCLA's dominance in the paint was the play of forward Tony Parker, who finished with a career-high 28 points to go along with 12 rebounds and three blocks, shooting 11-of-14 from the field along the way.

Parker scored 19 of his 28 points in the first half on 8-of-9 shooting. He scored three points in the team's first tournament game Thursday.

Guard Bryce Alford had 22 points on 6-of-13 shooting, knocking down three of his five attempts from beyond the arc. Each of the Bruins' five starters finished with double digits in scoring.

UAB guard Robert Brown carried the load for the Blazers, scoring 25 points on 10-of-20 shooting, and hitting on four of his eight attempts from 3-point range. 

UCLA is headed to the Sweet Sixteen for the second time in two years under head coach Steve Alford, who accepted the team's head-coaching position on March 30, 2013.

The Bruins will face the winner of Sunday's matchup between Gonzaga and Iowa.

Prospect Watch

Kevon Looney, F, UCLA: Looney was overshadowed by Parker, but posted a solid stat line himself, recording his 15th double-double of the season (most among freshmen) with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Norman Powell, G, UCLA: An efficient shooting day from the senior Powell. He scored 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting from the field and 2-of-3 shooting from beyond the arc.