HOUSTON — As the final seconds ticked off the clock at NRG Stadium Friday night, Norman Powell’s face disappeared behind a towel. Sitting on the bench for one last time as a Bruin, the senior guard shrouded his face behind the cloth as he tried to regain his composure. Read more...

Photo: Senior guard Norman Powell watches the final seconds of the Sweet 16 game between UCLA and Gonzaga Friday night. The Bruins fell 74-62 to the Bulldogs despite a valiant effort from Powell, who tied for a team high with 16 points in his final collegiate game. (Katie Meyers/Daily Bruin senior staff

The basketball gods have a tender place in their hearts for UCLA. It’s the only logical explanation. Because nothing about UCLA’s illogical 60-59 comeback win over Southern Methodist University in the second round of the NCAA Tournament made much sense. Read more...

Photo: UCLA mounted an 8-0 scoring run in the final 1:06 to defeat Southern Methodist University in the second round of the NCAA Tournament Thursday. (Katie Meyers/Daily Bruin senior staff)

The Bruins had no doubts about whether they deserved an NCAA tournament bid following their loss to the Arizona Wildcats in the Pac-12 tournament semifinal. “I don’t think there’s any question,” said coach Steve Alford. Read more...

Photo: Though UCLA’s selection to the NCAA tournament was met with a fair share of dissent, the Bruins went 9-4 over their last 13 games, with two close losses coming to No. 2 seed Arizona. (Katie Meyers/Daily Bruin senior staff)