UCLA Outlasts No. 18 Colorado on the Road, 70-63

BOULDER, Colo. – Cody Riley scored a team-leading 16 points and Chris Smith made a career-high four 3-pointers to lead UCLA past No. 18 Colorado, 70-63, at the CU Events Center on Saturday afternoon.
 
UCLA (17-11, 10-5 Pac-12) secured its fifth consecutive win and its ninth victory in the team's last 11 games. In addition, the Bruins notched their third straight win over a top-25-ranked opponent.
 
Tyger Campbell scored 15 points and had a career-high 11 assists, recording his first collegiate double-double. Campbell had 11 assists and just one turnover, as the Bruins did not commit any turnovers in the second half.
 
Smith finished with 14 points, sinking 4 of 6 shots from 3-point distance, as UCLA picked up the regular-season series sweep over Colorado (21-7, 10-5 Pac-12).
 
The Bruins trailed at halftime, 29-26, and Colorado pushed its advantage to nine points – 50-41 with 12:34 to play – before UCLA outscored the Buffaloes 29-13 over the final 11:30.

"I'll tell you, it is a lot more fun when you win, obviously," said Mick Cronin, The Michael Price Family UCLA Men's Head Basketball Coach. "And you know the buy-in is there. If you win on national TV, it helps with recruiting. I came to UCLA for the long haul. Even when we were struggling, I was just focused on who we were going to be and not the result that day."
 
McKinley Wright scored a team-leading 20 points for Colorado, connecting on 8 of 14 shots. Tyler Bey had 13 points and six rebounds, and Evan Battey finished with 11 points.
 
UCLA led Colorado through the game's final seven minutes. The Bruins tied the contest, 50-50, on a 3-point shot by Smith with 8:50 to play. After a block by Riley, Campbell hit a 3-pointer before Riley added a layup to give the Bruins a 55-50 cushion.
 
Colorado trimmed the Bruins' advantage to three points – 63-60 – with 1:19 to play before Jaime Jaquez Jr. made a key 3-pointer for UCLA, putting the Bruins ahead, 66-60.
 
The Buffaloes responded with a 3-pointer by Wright at the 50-second mark.
 
Leading 66-63, UCLA scored on a layup by Riley with 24 seconds remaining. UCLA's defense clamped down and got a stop before Smith drew a foul and hit both of his ensuing free throw attempts.
 
UCLA earned its first sweep of Utah and Colorado since January of 2013. In addition, the Bruins registered their first Pac-12 road sweep since the 2016-17 season.
 
The Bruins will return to action at home on Thursday night, hosting Arizona State in Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Game time is 8 p.m. (PT). The Bruins' game will be televised by the Pac-12 Network.