Kyman hits 7 3s off the bench, UCLA stuns Washington 66-64
SEATTLE (AP) — Jake Kyman hit seven 3-pointers and scored a career-high 21 points off the bench, the last coming with eight seconds left to give UCLA a 66-64 win over Washington on Thursday night in the Pac-12 Conference opener for both teams.
Kyman was left alone on the wing and nailed his final 3 of the game moments after Nahziah Carter had knocked down a 3-pointer to give Washington the lead. Kyman had scored 18 total points in nine games this season. All 12 of his shot attempts were 3-pointers and was critical in UCLA snapping a three-game losing streak.
Chris Smith added 17 points as UCLA (8-6) built a 10-point halftime lead, gave it away early in the second half but rallied back to stun the Huskies.
Isaiah Stewart continued his dominant freshman season for Washington, scoring a game-high 24 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Carter added 16 points, but the Huskies (10-4) dropped their second straight game. Quade Green added 11 points for the Huskies, but second-leading scorer Jaden McDaniels fouled out early in the second half after picking up four first-half fouls including a technical while on the bench. McDaniels had just three points in 14 minutes.
Washington had a chance after Kyman’s final 3-pointer but a handoff between Stewart and Carter was deflected. The possession arrow went to the Bruins and they were able to run out the final couple of seconds.
Washington started the second half on a 17-4 run carried mostly by Green and Stewart. Green’s layup pulled Washington within 38-37 and Jamal Bey immediately stole the inbound pass and scored to give the Huskies a 39-38 lead, their first since 10-9.
The teams had 15 lead changes and most of Washington’s points in the closing minutes came from Stewart at the free-throw line.
Washington went back in front 56-54 on Carter’s lob dunk while being fouled and the ensuing free throw, but a jumper from Tyger Campbell and Kyman’s sixth 3-pointer put the Bruins ahead 59-56 with 2:09 left. Stewart made three of four free throws and Washington was even at 59-all with 90 seconds left.
Smith hit a floater for UCLA, but two more free throws by Stewart tied the game at 61. Jamie Jaquez Jr. made two free throws with 32.1 seconds left to give UCLA a 63-61 lead. Carter hit Washington’s only 3-pointer of the second half, but Kyman had one more answer for the Bruins.
BIG PICTURE
UCLA: It’s a major victory for coach Mick Cronin in his first season. The Bruins had dropped three straight to Notre Dame, North Carolina and embarrassingly at home to Cal State Fullerton. Winning on the road against the defending Pac-12 regular season champs is a major boost.
Washington: Despite Stewart on the inside, the Huskies were dominated on the boards. Washington was outrebounded 38-27 and gave up 22 offensive rebounds leading to 15 second-chance points.
UP NEXT
UCLA: The Bruins are at Washington State on Saturday.
Washington: The Huskies host USC on Sunday night.