Smith growing up, UCLA leads 29-26

If a half of basketball can make a man out of someone, the first half of UCLA's matchup this morning with St. John's just might have done it.

Freshman center Joshua Smith beasted the Red Storm for 12 first-half points, including four powerful dunks, and the Bruins rode a rough start to take a 29-26 lead into halftime.

St. John's' harrying defense - the Storm came out in a 2-2-1 with full-court pressure - absolutely killed UCLA early, St. John's building a 13-4 lead and forcing a bevy of early turnovers. UCLA had seven early turnovers, including two three-turnover streaks, the Red Storm again capitalizing with a 19-11 lead.

But better defense, better hustle, and more importantly, better passing, turned things around, as the Bruins went on an 18-7 run over the last 8:08 to take the three-point lead.

UCLA has made 7-of-8 free throws, but just 2-of-8 3-pointers, though both were crucial shots by freshman Tyler Lamb.

Dwight Hardy has 16 points for St. John's, but he's the only one who's done any damage.