Braxton-Brown’s Goal Gives UCLA First Water Polo Crown Since ’72

Jeremy Braxton-Brown’s goal with 1:44 to play put UCLA ahead for good Sunday as the Bruins defeated California, 10-8, to win the NCAA water polo championship.

The Bruins won their fourth NCAA title and first since 1972.

In a rematch of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation championship game won by the Golden Bears last week, the Bruins (20-6) took a 5-2 lead midway through the second quarter when junior Jim Toring scored his fourth goal of the match. Three of his goals came in the first three minutes of the second quarter.

Cal tied the score at 6-6 with 1:46 remaining in the third quarter when freshman Phinney Gardner flipped the ball over UCLA goaltender Matt Swanson. The teams then traded goals until Braxton-Brown scored the winner.

Nick Kittredge scored three goals for Cal (20-7).

“This team is well balanced,” UCLA Coach Guy Baker said. “We can hurt you a lot of different ways. Lots of guys have stepped up, different guys at different times.”