It took an extra five minutes, and a huge night from both Johnny Juzang and Jaime Jaquez, but No. 2 UCLA lived up to expectations on Friday night.
The Bruins survived a late-night overtime thriller to beat No. 4 Villanova 86-77 in what was the first top-5 nonconference matchup at Pauley Pavilion in nearly three decades.
The win, though early in the season, is a huge statement for Mick Cronin’s Bruins — and a big sign of what’s to come for the Pac-12 favorites.
UCLA rallies to beat Villanova in OT
The Bruins jumped out in front early on Friday night, and took a brief nine-point lead midway through the first half.