LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — UCLA used a dominant first half to build a cushion and held off a Northwestern rally for a 71-64 men’s basketball victory Saturday at Pauley Pavilion.

The Bruins led 41-31 at halftime behind efficient shooting, then withstood a second-half push from the Wildcats. Nick Martinelli led Northwestern with 20 points. Trent Perry and Tyler Bilodeau each scored 18 points for UCLA, which shot 49.1% from the field and outscored Northwestern 30-24 in the paint.

The Wildcats, who shot 37.7% overall, closed the gap to two points late but could not complete the comeback. UCLA improved to 14-6, while Northwestern fell to 9-11. Attendance was 7,444.