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Halftime Update: UCLA 46, UAB 37

UAB and UCLA faced off with a trip for one unlikely team to advance to the Sweet Sixteen. The 14th seed Blazers and the 11th seeded Bruins both pulled off upsets on Thursday, putting both teams imposition to make something special happen on Saturday.

By Jason Jones SBN
Tony Parker had a field day in the first half for UCLA.
Tony Parker had a field day in the first half for UCLA.
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Bryce Alford, UCLA's hero in the win over SMU with 27 points on nine made three pointers, had nine points in the first half against UAB. His three pointer just before halftime sent both teams to the locker rooms with UCLA leading 46-37.

The star of the first half was Tony Parker, who had 19 points and 6 rebounds on 8/9 shooting. The Blazers simply had no answer for the 270-pound big man, especially after Tosin Mehenti picked up his second foul. The Bruins dominated the paint, leading the battle of the boards 21-8 - including 8-2 on the offensive glass.

The problem wasn't on offense for UAB. Robert Brown was 6/7 from the field and led he Blazers with 15 points at halftime, while William Lee added 10. UAB's struggles were on defense, highlighted by UCLA shooting 61%. UCLA had 28 points in the paint for the first half.

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