Palmer leads West Virginia to upset of No. 25 UCLA

November 25, 2011

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NORTHRIDGE, Calif.—Taylor Palmer scored 18 points to lead West Virginia to a 63-54 victory over No. 25 UCLA on Friday night in the first round of the Holiday Inn Thanksgiving Classic at Cal State Northridge.

West Virginia (3-1) nearly blew an 11-point early in the second half, allowing UCLA (2-2) a chance to narrow the gap. The Bruins obliged, going on a 7-0 run while shutting out the Mountaineers for 5:38.

The Mountaineers saw their lead cut to 33-29 before getting their offense back in gear. An 8-1 run pushed their lead back to 11 points.

West Virginia led by 13 points midway through the second half but had to hang on for the victory. A big run, capped by a 3-point basket by Moriah Faulk cut the Mountaineers' lead to 48-46 with 3:52 remaining.

But West Virginia pulled away for the victory.

Rebekah Gardner scored 19 points to lead the Bruins.