Nov. 27, 2001

Box Score

Los Angeles, CA - The UCLA women's basketball team came from behind for the second consecutive game to defeat BYU, 73-62. Down 31-26 at the half, the Bruins scored 47 points in the second half to take their third victory in four games this year.

BYU led by as much as eight points, 31-23 in the first half, but a Michelle Greco buzzer-beating three-pointer started the Bruins on their rally. The Cougars led 52-45 with 8:29 to play when UCLA went on a 18-3 run in the next seven minutes to take a 63-55 lead. Senior center Shalada Allen scored 12 of those 18 points during the run, including a layup and foul shot that closed the gap to one (54-53) with 5:52 to play.

Natalie Nakase's three-pointer at the 4:08 mark gave UCLA its first lead since the first half, 56-54, and the Bruins never looked back.

"We made some big rebounds and scored some big baskets down the stretch," said UCLA head coach Kathy Olivier. "We got great help off the bench from Shalada Allen and Brianna Winn. Everyone contributed. If we keep doing that, we'll be alright."

Greco led all players with 22 points and added six rebounds, three steals and two blocked shots. Allen scored career highs in both points (14) and rebounds (seven) off the bench. Malika Leatham led the Bruins in rebounding with nine and also scored 15 points.

Guard Erin Thorp led the Cougars with 13 points. Jennifer Leitner recorded a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds. Melanie Pearson added 12 points off the bench.

The Bruins improve their record to 3-1 and are off to their best start since 1996-97. BYU falls to 2-2. UCLA next plays at Utah on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 4:30 pm CT. BYU plays at USC on Thursday, Nov. 29.