Ex-Kentwood star Joshua Smith scores 24 for UCLA in loss to UW | Slide Show

Published 12:48 pm Friday, February 3, 2012

Former Kentwood High School star Josh Smith scored a career-high 24 points for UCLA but it wasn’t enough as the University of Washington rallied to beat the Bruins 71-69 Thursday night at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle.

Smith, a 6-foot-10, 305-pound sophomore center, also had nine rebounds in a reserve role. He made 9 of 13 shots from the field and 6 of 10 free throws. He scored just three points in the final 12 minutes after the Huskies changed to a zone defense to slow down Smith.

Smith, of Kent, led Kentwood to the Class 4A state championship in 2010.

The Huskies are 15-7 overall and 8-2 atop the Pac-12 Conference. UCLA is 12-10 and 5-5. Terrence Ross led the Huskies with 22 points.