Freshman center Thomas Welsh had one of the best games of his UCLA career, notching two points, six rebounds, four blocks in a 60-59 win over SMU to start the NCAA Tournament. He also made a key steal with 24 seconds left — making it possible for Bryce Alford to heave up his final, goaltended 3-point shot.

Asked what he was thinking when Alford’s shot was in the air, Welsh laughed and said: “That’s a great question. … Bryce was on fire all day. I thought it was a great look at it. I was just stunned when the guy went up and touched the ball.”