UCLA leads at the half by 10, and it can thank its backcourt for even that lead.

The Bruins led by 14 at one point, but the Anteaters creeped back to within seven before a dagger 3-pointer by Lazeric Jones between two defenders as the half winded down.

Jones and Malcolm Lee teamed up to torch UC Irvine in the first half, combining for 24 points (14 for Lee) with a combination of penetration and outside shots.

UCLA went to Joshua Smith early – including the first three possessions – but Lee and Lamb got hot and started to look elsewhere.