UCLA basketball: UCLA can’t come all the way back in 72-56 loss to No. 14 Kansas

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

It was simply too much to overcome.

UCLA nearly wiped out a 20-point, second-half deficit against No. 14 Kansas on Tuesday night in a Maui Invitational semifinal despite getting nearly no production from starting center Joshua Smith and point guard Lazeric Jones.

The Bruins pulled within five on two occasions before the Jayhawks went on a game-ending 11-0 run to advance to the championship against Duke.

UCLA guard Tyler Lamb had 15 points and Jerime Anderson, subbing for Jones, drew the Bruins to within 57-52 with a NBA-range three-pointer. Anderson finished with 14 points and junior forward Reeves Nelson had 12 points for UCLA.

Jones made only one of six shots and sat out most of the second half after picking up his fourth foul with 11:20 remaining. He finished with eight points in 20 minutes.

Guard Elijah Johnson had 23 points for Kansas, which shot 51.1% to UCLA’s 36.4% and outrebounded the Bruins, 34-21.

Smith moved back into the starting lineup, but it was as if he didn’t show up at all. He had one point, one rebound and two turnovers in 13 minutes.

We’ll have more later at www.latimes.com/sports.

ALSO:

UCLA basketball: Bruins trail No. 14 Kansas, 43-26, at halftime

T.J. Simers: A UCLA win benefits Rick Neuheisel and Lane Kiffin

Greatest sports moments in L.A. history No. 19: Rick Monday saves the flag

-- Ben Bolch in Lahaina, Hawaii