UCLA can’t complete comeback against Washington State

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There were a lot of three-pointers at Pauley Pavilion on Saturday afternoon, but the records books reflect a story of deuces -- one missed by UCLA, and a pair made by Washington State.

Wazzu, an 82-81 winner, celebrated just its second victory in 53 attempts in Westwood, and second overall victory against the Bruins in their last 32 matchups.

The Cougars also denied the Bruins their second comeback since the start of Pac-10 play. UCLA led by five early in the second half, but went down by eight later in the half. With players scrambling all over the court in the frantic final minutes, the game wasn’t over until Josh Shipp’s last-ditch shot fell short and Washington State celebrated a nail-biting victory.

Here’s a look at UCLA’s record since the start of the New Year and significant lead changes in the second half of those games:

• W @ Oregon State -- UCLA led entire way
• W @ Oregon -- UCLA led entire way
• W @ USC -- USC led by 6, UCLA won by 4
• W vs. Arizona -- UCLA led entire way
• L vs. Arizona State -- UCLA led by 11, lost by 3
• W @ Washington State -- UCLA led entire way, except a tie with 5:13 to go.
• L @ Washington -- UCLA led by 3, but no lead in final 13 minutes
• W vs. Cal -- UCLA led the entire way
• W vs. Stanford -- UCLA led entire way
• W vs. USC -- UCLA led entire way
• W vs. Notre Dame -- UCLA led entire way
• L @ Arizona State -- UCLA led by 4, lost by 7
• L @ Arizona -- Arizona led entire way
• W vs. Washington -- UCLA led entire way, except a tie around 11 minute mark
• L vs. Washington State -- UCLA led by 5 with 15 minutes left, lost by 1

-- Adam Rose