UCLA comes up empty in state of Washington, loses to WSU as well 85-78

Freshman guard Aaron Holiday finishes with 15 points, 3 assists (3 TO's) and 4 rebounds in loss (photo courtesy of AP)

Associated Press

JAN 03, 2016 | MEN'S BASKETBALL

No. 25 UCLA Downed by Washington State

By: UCLA Athletics

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PULLMAN, Wash. – A season-high 27 points from Isaac Hamilton wasn’t enough as the UCLA basketball team fell at Washington State, 85-78, on Sunday evening at Beasley Coliseum.

Also setting a season-high in field goals made, Hamilton went 12 for 22 from the floor in the loss. Thomas Welsh picked up his sixth double-double and second in as many games, finishing with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

UCLA (9-6, 0-2) started efficiently, knocking down 6-of-9 from the floor to begin the game, capped by anIsaac Hamilton wing three at the 14:20 mark to give UCLA a 14-12 lead. The Bruins extended their margin to 20-16, before Washington State countered with a 12-1 run to capture a seven-point advantage at the 6:50 mark in the first half.

The Bruins were unable to recapture the lead for the remainder of the opening period, trailing by four at the break. Hamilton and Holiday combined to shoot 10 for 14, totaling 23 points, in the first half to lead UCLA. Overall, the Bruins shot 47 percent from the field in the opening half.

Washington State (9-5, 1-1) came out red-hot in the second half, converting 13 of 17 shots from the field, including seven consecutive baskets to extend its lead to 13 points at the 7:02 mark.

UCLA remained behind by double-digits until a late 7-1 run brought the Bruins within six points with under 1:30 to play. The Bruins shot 36 percent in the second half.

Josh Hawkinson finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds to pace the Cougars.

Bruins' freshman guard Aaron Holiday finished in double-digits for UCLA, totaling 15 points.

The Bruins return home to continue Pac-12 play on Thursday, Jan. 7, hosting Arizona in Pauley Pavilion. Game time is 6 p.m. UCLA's game will be nationally televised on ESPN2.