It was the sort of game that UCLA appeared poised to lose. The Bruins missed nearly twice as many shots as they made. They struggled to move the ball against Notre Dame’s zone. They went more than seven minutes in the second half with their top scorer sidelined because of cramps in a calf.
UCLA has not been known for stout defense under coach Steve Alford, never finishing higher than No. 66 nationally in Ken Pomeroy’s defensive efficiency ratings after Alford’s first season. The Bruins were ranked No. 37 that season, their roster primarily stocked with coach Ben Howland’s players.