UCLA holds lead, beats Pepperdine 81-67

LOS ANGELES (AP) Bryce Alford scored 19 points and UCLA led by double-digits most of the way Thursday night, cruising to an 81-67 victory over Pepperdine.

Tony Parker recorded his third consecutive double-double with 15 points and 15 rebounds. Aaron Holiday added 16 points for the Bruins (2-1), who won their second straight after a season-opening upset loss to Monmouth.

Lamond Murray Jr. scored 22 points to lead Pepperdine (1-2). Kameron Edwards added 10 points and eight rebounds.

The Bruins were finally able to make a big lead stick. In their opener, the Bruins let a 13-point, second-half lead get away in their overtime loss to Monmouth. They saw a 15-point, second-half lead evaporate into a…