UCLA came into this one on a four game slide, including a blowout loss to Liberty that cost Steve Alford his job. As is often the case, the Bruins played inspired in their first game under interim coach Murry Bartow. The quality play of the hosts and the absence of Daejon Davis proved to be too much for the Cardinal.
The Cardinal got off to a sluggish offensive start without their star point guard. Davis dressed for the game, and was a game time decision. He is still recovering from an ankle injury sustained last week against Long Beach State.