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UCLA basketball: Halftime report

By David Wharton
Staff WriterFollow
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Needing to respond to an embarrassing defeat less than 24 hours earlier, UCLA bounced back -- at least part of the way -- in the first half against Butler tonight.

Playing a second-round game in the 76 Classic at Anaheim Convention Center, the Bruins showed considerably more spark, trailing Butler, 42-35, after the first 20 minutes.

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Center Drew Gordon set the tone, battling inside, and got help from several teammates.

Malcolm Lee led the team with nine points, including a steal and dunk that helped cut into Butler’s lead. Freshman Brendan Lane and senior Nikola Dragovic also contributed as UCLA made 47% of its shots, much better than the night before against Portland.

Butler was led by guard Shelvin Mack, who went on a tear midway through the half and had 14 points. The Bulldogs also went to the free-throw line 13 times, making 12.

-- David Wharton

Sports Now
David Wharton

David Wharton has filled an array of roles – covering the courts, entertainment, sports and the second Persian Gulf War – since starting as a Los Angeles Times intern in 1982. His work has been honored by organizations such as the Society for Features Journalism and Associated Press Sports Editors and has been anthologized in “Best American Sports Writing.” He has also been nominated for an Emmy and has written two books, including “Conquest,” an inside look at USC football during the Pete Carroll era.

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