UCLA’s late comeback fell short on Thursday night, giving Utah a narrow 75-73 win. It was the Utes’ first-ever victory at Pauley Pavilion, and their first over the Bruins in Los Angeles since 1961.

It was also the team’s fourth home loss of the season, doubling the total from head coach Steve Alford’s first two seasons.

“This was a must-win,” Alford said. “You come back home, you’ve got to win home games. You lose home games, you’re not going to fare well in this league. …

“Where we’re at record-wise, and we’re at standings-wise, that’s what we deserve.”