![UCLA guard Dylan Andrews] celebrates a basket during the second...](https://www.dailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/AP23363203885613-1.jpg?w=620)
CORVALLIS, Ore. — Dylan Andrews scored 11 of his 13 points in the second half, Adem Bona also had 13 points and UCLA took control after halftime for a 69-62 victory over Oregon State in the Pac-12 Conference opener for both teams on Thursday night.
The Bruins (6-6), who ended a four-game losing streak, shot 6 for 10 from 3-point range and shot 53% overall (16 for 30) in the second half, outscoring the Beavers 45-34.
Brandon Williams had 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting, seven points coming in the first half when he made all three of his shots but UCLA shot just 31%. Lazar Stefanovic and Will McClendon both had 10 points. Bona had eight rebounds, three blocked shots and three steals.
“We got to continue to play smarter, which I thought we had a lot of growth in that,” UCLA coach Mick Cronin said. “Obviously, this was good for their confidence to get this win, but it’s onward and upward. Guys have got to continue to grow, and as a coaching staff, I identify areas where we can improve. But the kids did a good job against that – that matchup zone is hard to play against.”
Dexter Akanno had 22 points for the Beavers (8-3), who had their five-game winning streak snapped with their first home loss. Jordan Pope added 13 points and Tyler Bilodeau had 10 with 14 rebounds.
UCLA improved to 81-5 under Cronin when holding teams to 65 or fewer points and the Beavers were 7-1 when scoring 70.
McClendon hit a jumper to put UCLA ahead 37-35 five minutes into the second half, the Bruins’ first lead since 3-2. Akanno answered with a 3-pointer for the Beavers but then UCLA scored five in a row.
OSU scored but then the Bruins reeled off 12 straight. After a 3-pointer by Andrews to make it 50-40, Stefanovic made two free throws after OSU coach Wayne Tinkle received a technical. On the ensuing possessions, McClendon’s layup made it 54-40 with nine minutes to go.
Michael Rataj ended the drought with a 3-pointer at 8:34. On Oregon State’s next possession, Akanno attempted, and made, the Beavers’ first free throws to make it 54-45 at the 7:50 mark. Pope followed with a basket, but Oregon State could get no closer than seven the rest of the way.
The teams, who entered the game among the worst 3-point shooting teams in the country at about 29% were both over 42% with a combined 18 for 40.
UCLA went 9 for 19 from behind the arc (47%) and 17 for 43 (39%) inside the line.
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The Bruins play at Oregon on Saturday while Oregon State hosts USC the same day.
Strong second half propels UCLA over Oregon State in Corvallis! 🐻
Highlights ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/voJFr2anpb
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) December 29, 2023