LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — A competitive first half gave way to a dominant second-half display by UCLA as the Bruins pulled away from Cal Poly for a 108-87 victory in a nonconference men’s basketball game Friday night at Pauley Pavilion.

A crowd of 4,123 saw the Bruins improve to 9-3 on the season, while the Mustangs fell to 5-8.

The game’s pivotal shift occurred early in the second half. After trailing by just two points at halftime, 45-43, Cal Poly found itself within four points at 52-48 with 17:56 remaining following a Cayden Ward 3-pointer. From there, UCLA unleashed a decisive 14-2 run over the next three and a half minutes, transforming a close contest into a comfortable lead.

The surge was fueled by the Bruins’ defensive pressure and efficient offense. It began with an Eric Dailey layup, assisted by Donovan Dent. After a Cal Poly turnover, Skyy Clark converted a layup. Following another Mustangs turnover, Tyler Bilodeau drew a foul and sank two free throws. Dailey then capped the run with a dunk off an assist from Bilodeau, pushing the UCLA advantage to 66-50 with 14:30 to play. Cal Poly would not get within single digits again.

The first half had been a back-and-forth affair featuring 10 lead changes. Cal Poly shot proficiently from deep, hitting 8 of 16 3-point attempts before the break, to stay stride-for-stride with the Bruins. Peter Bandelj and Kieran Elliott provided early sparks for the Mustangs, while UCLA relied on the scoring of Clark and the playmaking of Dent to maintain a slim edge.

UCLA’s separation was built on superior ball security and shot-making. The Bruins committed only eight turnovers, converting them into numerous transition opportunities, while forcing 24 Cal Poly turnovers, which they translated into 30 points. UCLA shot 57.4% from the field for the game and made 12 of 28 from 3-point range. The Bruins also capitalized at the free-throw line, making 26 of 29 attempts.

Cal Poly’s offense was efficient when it secured possession, shooting 51% from the field and an impressive 21 of 22 from the foul line. However, the 24 giveaways and UCLA’s 10 steals proved too much to overcome.

Tyler Bilodeau led UCLA with 24 points, adding two assists. Skyy Clark poured in 30 points, and Donovan Dent orchestrated the offense with a double-double of 16 points and 11 assists. Eric Dailey contributed 10 points and four assists, while Jamar Brown added 14 points.

For Cal Poly, Cayden Ward scored 21 points. Peter Bandelj added 17 points, three assists and a blocked shot. Hamad Mousa scored 14 points, and Kieran Elliott finished with 13 points off the bench.

UCLA will next host UC Riverside on Tuesday. Cal Poly returns home to face Idaho on Sunday.