First Half

What happened: Both teams struggled in the opening minutes. The game started ominously for Missouri when guard Clarence Gilbert suffered a dislocated finger on his left (non-shooting) hand after only 17 seconds had elapsed, but he quickly returned after being treated on the bench. UCLA used its height advantage to take several offensive rebounds, but the Bruins’ poor shooting and sloppy play prevented them from capitalizing. UCLA was hurt by turnovers and made only four of its first 15 shots before Ryan Walcott made a three-point basket for an 11-10 lead with 12:10 left. The Bruins, playing good defense and forcing turnovers, extended their lead to 26-18 before Missouri guard Rickey Paulding got hot. Paulding made consecutive three-point baskets to tie the score, 26-26, with 2:19 left, and his jump shot with 28 seconds left gave the Tigers a 30-28 halftime lead.

Not in the box score: Steve Lavin benched center Dan Gadzuric early in the game after the Bruin center got off to rocky start. Gadzuric returned to play 16 minutes and help the Bruins hold a 22-19 rebounding advantage.

Winning numbers: UCLA forced Missouri into 10 turnovers and the Bruins had nine offensive rebounds. UCLA also held Kareem Rush to four points in 18 minutes.

Wrong number: Take your pick. UCLA’s leading scorer, Jason Kapono, had only two points. The Bruins made only 11 of 35 shots (31.4%), including two of 10 from three-point range, and committed six turnovers.

Leading scorers: UCLA: Matt Barnes 7, Gadzuric and Billy Knight 6. Missouri: Paulding 11.

Leading rebounders: UCLA: Barnes and Gadzuric 6. Missouri: Kareem Rush and Arthur Johnson 6.