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UCLA Stuns SMU With Last-Second Win In NCAA Tourney

Gus Contreras
/
KERA News
Fans cheered on SMU at a watch party earlier this week.

Bryce Alford made four 3-pointers in the final 3:40, his last on a rare goaltending call with 13 seconds remaining, to push 11th-seeded UCLA to a 60-59 upset of sixth-seeded SMU on Thursday in the teams' NCAA opener in Louisville, Kentucky.

Alford's points came on nine long-range shots but his last attempt was the most debated as his shot from the left side appeared to glance off the rim as SMU's Yanick Moreira went up to grab the miss. Officials awarded Alford, the son of coach Steve Alford, the basket, to the disbelief of SMU players and coach Larry Brown.

The Mustangs (27-7) had two shots to win in the final seconds, but Nic Moore missed a 3-pointer and then a 2-point attempt that sent the Bruins (21-13) into a wild celebration.

UCLA, the team many felt didn't even belong in the field of 68, advanced to Saturday's round of 32 against No. 14 UAB, an upset winner over No. 3 Iowa State.