UCLA off to its Best Start in Eight Seasons - Beat Michigan

Arron Afflalo's focus during film sessions paid off.

Afflalo scored 20 points and made a key steal and assist late to help No. 14 UCLA hold off a late rally and beat Michigan 68-61 on Saturday.

The Bruins led by 13 with 4:35 to go but were clinging to a 63-59 lead a couple minutes later. That's when Afflalo stepped in front of Michigan point guard Daniel Horton to steal Graham Brown's outlet pass and then made a short pass to Luc Richard Mbah a Moute for a layup that put the Bruins ahead by six with 1:23 left.

"That was the play of the game," said UCLA coach Ben Howland.

Afflalo gave the credit to Howland for pointing out one of Horton's tendencies.

"We watched so much film and saw Horton is always running away from the ball when a big man gets the rebound," Afflalo said. "It was a crucial point, and I saw an opportunity because I saw the big man wasn't paying too much attention."

Jordan Farmar had 21 points for the Bruins (8-1), who are off to their best start since the 1997-98 season.

"It was a huge game. Our first road game," Afflalo said. "If we can beat this team on the road, things can only get better for us."

Michigan (7-1), which was undefeated through seven games for the first time in nine years, found out it's not quite ready for the Top 25 after facing the Bruins.