Matt Sayles / AP

California's Ayinde Ubaka celebrates after hitting a three-pointer. Ubaka scored 29 points in the Bears' win over No. 4 UCLA on Thursday.

Afflalo scored his only field goal of the game to open overtime, but he never connected again. The Bruins watched as shots hit the rim and the Bears’ offensive momentum continued unabated.

Afflalo, who prides himself on being UCLA’s top defensive player, guarded Ubaka.

“What did he get, 29 points? That’s unacceptable,” Afflalo said. “It was my guy who was going above and beyond. I don’t want to make an excuse for it. I’ll make the adjustments.”

Omar Wilkes, the son of former UCLA star Jamaal Wilkes, scored on a one-handed scoop to tie the game at 63. Ubaka hit a jumper that gave Cal the lead for good. Eric Vierneisel made four consecutive free throws as the Bears pulled away.

“Ayinde is a winner. In every game that goes into overtime or is close down the stretch, he has his fingerprints on it,” Braun said. “He’s willing to take big shots, he’s willing to have the ball in his hands. It’s nice to have a senior and a four-year starter like Ayinde who’s been in the trenches.”

Down by 12, the Bruins opened the second half with a scoring burst nearly identical to the one Cal generated in the first 20 minutes. Their 20-4 run helped them take the lead, 45-41, for the first time since the game’s opening moments.

Collison had nine points, including a steal and fastbreak dunk, and Mbah a Moute added six.

The Bears struggled on 1-of-8 field-goal shooting against UCLA’s increased defensive pressure.

Mostly though, the Bruins went to the line as Cal was called for 10 fouls in 8½ minutes after having six in the first half. The Bruins were only 7-of-17 from the line in that stretch.

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Ubaka’s 3-pointer went in as the shot clock expired, putting Cal ahead 56-53. The Bruins scored six straight points for a 59-56 lead before Ubaka’s two straight baskets ensured overtime.

The Bears outscored UCLA 23-5 in the first half for a 16-point lead. Afflalo had zero points and three fouls, while Collison was scoreless with five of UCLA’s 11 turnovers.

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