Tenacity Pays Off for Bruins

The 64-60 defeat UCLA handed Ohio State at Pauley Pavilion on Saturday was the type of game the Bruins couldn’t win last season.

When the Bruins trailed big early last season, they would not recover.

But to the delight of 1,112 onlookers, UCLA (2-1) not only rallied from a 15-point deficit, it had enough energy to play a relentless defense that kept the Buckeyes from forcing overtime.

Ohio State (1-2) used its height advantage effectively on the boards, outrebounding the Bruins, 44-37, and often stretched the Bruin zones with timely three-point shooting (nine of 20). But UCLA forced 27 turnovers and had nine steals.

“We really made huge steps tonight coming back,” UCLA Coach Kathy Olivier said.

“As much as we kept getting down, we kept coming back and working through it.”

Added UCLA center Malika Leatham, who had 15 points and eight rebounds: “This shows [the hard work] we did this summer was worth it.”

Michelle Greco, who had a game-high 23 points, scored the Bruins’ first eight points, and helped UCLA build a 16-10 lead.

Once the Buckeyes stopped trying to pass over the 2-3 zone, and extended it by making a few three-point baskets, they took charge.

The Buckeyes went on a 16-0 run in the first half.

A layup by Jamila Veasley, whose 10 points and 10 rebounds were career highs, ended the Bruins’ 7-minute 10-second scoreless stretch.

Ohio State led by as many as 15 points before settling for a 34-21 halftime lead.

UCLA started the second half with increased intensity on defense and a 19-2 scoring spurt to regain the lead, 40-36, with 13:33 to play.

Ohio State took a 44-43 lead on Lauren Shenk’s three-point basket at the 11:34 mark.

Jalina Bradley’s 15-foot basket with 37 seconds to play gave UCLA a 60-57 lead. .

Shenk finished with 15 points for Ohio State.