LOS ANGELES -- UCLA sophomore forward Melanie Pearson (Irvine/Woodbridge HS) scored 10 of her 26 points in overtime to lead UCLA to a 96-93 victory over Rutgers in Game One of the Pac-10/Big East Challenge at Pauley Pavilion.

The Bruins began their rally from 16 points down with less than two minutes to play in the first half. Down 43-27, a three-pointer by sophomore point guard Erica Gomez (Keyport, NJ/St. John Vianney HS) sparked a 7-0 UCLA run to end the half. Rutgers made a 7-0 run itself in the second half to push its lead to 12 at 56-44 with 15:20 to play, but UCLA fought back and took a 60-58 lead at 8:54 when sophomore forward Maylana Martin (Perris/Perris HS) made a layup. The Bruins extended the lead to as much as four points but saw Rutgers regain the lead behind freshman guard Natasha Pointer's consecutive layups.

In the final minute of regulation, with Rutgers leading 74-70, Tomora Young was called for an offensive foul, giving the Bruins the ball. Martin subsequently made a layup to cut the lead to 74-72, and the Bruin defensive pressure on the inbounds forced a turnover. Two free throws by Martin at the 24 second mark tied the game, and it stayed tied at the end of regulation after Pointer missed two free throws with 22 seconds to play.

Pearson dominated the overtime period right from the get-go, scoring a quick layup after Martin won the opening tip. Two Pearson three-pointers later, UCLA led 84-79 and lever looked back. Two free throws by senior guard Tawana Grimes (Norwalk/Lynwood HS) with 11 seconds left iced the victory for the Bruins.