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Love, UCLA rally from double-digit deficit to top Oregon

Feb 24, 2008 - 5:13 AM LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- Playing through one of his worst games of his career, Kevin Love turned to the little things to help UCLA sweep Oregon.

Love had 15 points and 11 rebounds after a strong finish as the sixth-ranked Bruins rallied past the Ducks, 75-65, in the Pac-10 Conference on Saturday.

Darren Collison led with 17 points and Russell Westbrook added 16 for UCLA (24-3, 12-2 Pac-10), which topped Oregon for the seventh time in the last eight meetings.

This matchup proved more difficult than some of the past, especially with the sensational freshman Love - a high school star in the state of Oregon - struggling.

After collecting 26 points and 18 rebounds in an 80-75 win at the Ducks on January 25, Love managed just four points in the first half as the Bruins trailed nearly throughout.

Holding a 34-31 edge at the break, Oregon led by as many as 11 points, 48-37, following a jumper from Tajuan Porter with 13:53 to play.

However, that deficit would not hinder UCLA, which improved to 6-1 at home in conference play.

Although the Bruins went on a 15-2 run to close within 52-50 with 8:46 to play, Love continued to struggle, making just one of three shots and missing 3-of-4 free throws.

The freshman, however, did hit the boards and continue his stellar outlet passing, finding teammates wide open in transition after made and missed baskets alike.

After Collison hit a 3-pointer with 4:48 remaining to snap a 54-54 tie, Love grabbed an important rebound when Oregon was attempting to answer. He later found Collison streaking down the right sideline for a dunk and a 63-56 advantage with 3:17 to play.

It was the first lead for the Bruins since 4-3 just over two minutes into the contest.

Considered one of the best passing big men in the college game, Love had two assists.

While the freshman did not have a high assist total, his impact was clearly a big factor in why UCLA had a 20-7 advantage in fast-break points.

Fouled attempting to steal an inbounds pass by the Ducks, Love split two free throws to cap a 10-2 run that made it 64-56 with 2:51 left.

Love finished 4-of-10 from the field and converted 7-of-12 free throws.

Josh Shipp scored 10 points and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute chipped in nine and seven rebounds for the Bruins, who shot 50 percent (26-of-52) and outscored the Ducks in the paint, 46-28.

Maarty Luenen scored 17 points and Malik Hairston added 16 for Oregon (15-12, 6-9), which has lost three straight games.

Porter scored 11 of his 15 points in the first half for the Ducks, who dropped their fifth straight game at Pauley Pavilion.