LOS ANGELES, Jan. 31 (UPI) -- Ian Crosswhite scored eight of his 22 points in overtime to lead Oregon to a 96-91 victory over Pac-10 rival UCLA.
Crosswhite, a native of Australia, shot 9-of-18 off the bench and added 12 rebounds.
With top-ranked Arizona and No. 24 California losing Thursday night, Oregon got off to a rocky start, falling behind early by 18-8. By halftime, the Ducks (15-4, 5-3 Pac-10) were ahead, 42-35, but UCLA (4-12, 2-6) would not go away.
The Bruins shot 62.5 percent (15-of-24) in the second half and senior forward Jason Kapono gave them an 80-79 lead on a pair of free throws with 1:15 left.
Kapono led the Bruins with 21 points.
"We started off extremely well for the first time in six weeks," Kapono said. "(We) Actually built a lead. We tried to sustain that throughout the game, but it was tough. I wouldn't know how to classify this as our best game. We just couldn't get that stop down the stretch."
At the other end, Crosswhite made a short jumper in the paint with 50 seconds left to get the lead back for Oregon, but UCLA sent the game into overtime when Ryan Hollins made 1-of-2 free throws 11 seconds later.
Both teams led in overtime.
Crosswhite put the Ducks ahead to stay by converting a three-point play with 1:19 left for a 92-91 lead. Luke Ridnour hit four free throws down the stretch to seal the Ducks' victory.
"This game meant a lot to me," Crosswhite said. "I'm coming out of a five-game slump, and to do it at that point of the game just makes me ecstatic."
Ridnour, who sat out for most of the second half with four fouls, had 11 points and 10 assists. Luke Jackson, who was not expected to play because of a severe cut on his hand, led the Ducks with 27 points.
"We're obviously discouraged that we didn't get the win tonight," said beleaguered UCLA Coach Steve Lavin. "It would have been wind in the sails."
