WSU pulls off a victory over UCLA

PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) — CJ Elleby made a clutch corner 3 to tie the game at the end of regulation and Isaac Bonton scored eight points in overtime to help Washington State pull off a 79-71 come from behind victory over UCLA on Saturday night.

After making a season-low five field goals in the first period, Washington State (10-5, 1-1 Pac-12) clawed its way back against a big and physical team that has outrebounded each of its 15 opponents this year.

Bonton, who has been shooting 32.1 percent this season, went 7 of 14 for 17 points and had five rebounds and five assists.

Elleby had 15 points and Aljaz Kunc chipped in 12 for the Cougars.

UCLA (8-7, 1-1) dominated the game defensively during the first period, holding Washington State to just 28% shooting but couldn’t keep their momentum going in the second period. The Cougars shot 56% in the second, outrebounded the Bruins 16-13 and won the battle in the paint 22-16.

Chris Smith had 22 points, Prince Ali scored 11 and Jules Bernard had 10 for the Bruins.

Washington State managed to close the UCLA lead in the second to 53-52 with the help of eight quick points from backup forward Tony Miller and four from backup guard Ryan Rapp.

The Cougars took their first lead of the second with 7:36 remaining when Bonton made a lay-up to make the score 54-53.

Down three with 20 seconds remaining, Elleby’s clutch 3-pointer from the corner tied the game at 65 at the end of regulation.