UCLA labors through first half against USC

UCLA staggered through the first 20 minutes, managing to overtake USC, 22-21, by halftime.

The Bruins are playing without center Josh Smith, who has not left the bench for unknown reasons. A report on television said that Smith has a concussion. A UCLA sports information department official said he was unaware of any injury, but also said he did not know why Smith did not play.

On the court, the Bruins stumbled through what may have been their worst half of the season.

UCLA’s David Wear missed a dunk. Guard Lazeric Jones shot an airball on a free throw and later had an airball on a layup. The two teams combined to miss the first 11 shots in the game.

USC is down to six scholarship players, but led 19-11 with five minutes left in the half. Jones scored five points in an 11-2 UCLA run to end the half.

UCLA shot 23.3% for the half. USC shot 27.6%.

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