The UCLA Bruins weren't supposed to make the NCAA Tournament, but after beating UAB, 92-75, in the Round of 32, they're heading to the Sweet 16 in Houston.
NCAA bracket 2015 results: UCLA is the first team to advance to the Sweet 16
UCLA beat UAB to sneak into the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament.
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Luck has been on the Bruins’ side this March, but they’ve taken advantage. The No. 11 seed advanced past the second round thanks to an iffy goaltending call that gave them a win over SMU. And instead of facing a tough Iowa State team in the next round, they got fellow underdog UAB.
To its credit, UCLA took care of business against the No. 14 seed. Tony Parker led the way for the Bruins with his best Bill Walton impression, going 8-of-9 from the floor in the first half. Parker ended the game 11-of-14 from the field and had 28 points and 12 rebounds. All five UCLA starters scored in double figures.
UCLA led, 46-37, at the half and the lead hovered near double digits throughout the second half. UAB pulled to within six, but could never make the jump to tie the game or take the lead. Robert Brown led the way for UAB with 25 points.
With the loss, UAB’s dream season came to an end. Their upset of Iowa State in the round of 64 came on the heels of the announcement that the UAB football team was being shut down due to what University President Ray Watts called financial problems. But there are rumors and accusations that athletic department relationships were the real issue, which led to fans chanting “Fire Ray Watts” during the tournament games. The football team may not be around next year, but at least the basketball team gave the school a reason to have some pride.
UCLA will face the winner of Iowa and Gonzaga in the Sweet 16. It’s their second straight trip to the second weekend of the tournament.
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