Mon Feb 03 15:10:00 UTC 2025: **UCLA Gymnastics Edges Michigan State in Thrilling Comeback Win**
LOS ANGELES, CA – The UCLA Bruins gymnastics team pulled off a dramatic comeback victory over No. 5 Michigan State on Saturday, winning 197.300 to 197.200 in a nationally televised meet. The win, which extended UCLA’s streak of scoring 197 or higher to four meets, came down to the final rotation on floor exercise.
Trailing by approximately one point heading into the floor exercise, UCLA unleashed a stunning performance. Each gymnast scored 9.900 or higher, culminating in a nation-high 49.800 event score. Jordan Chiles, battling illness all week, anchored the performance with a perfect 10.0, her Prince-themed routine proving crucial to the victory. This was UCLA’s first perfect 10 of the season. Other key performances included Brooklyn Moors and Chae Campbell, both hitting 9.975, a career high for Moors. Emily Lee also contributed a solid 9.875 in her season debut.
UCLA’s path to victory wasn’t easy. Michigan State took the lead after the vault rotation, scoring 49.600 to UCLA’s 49.350. While Chiles delivered a 9.925 on vault, an uncharacteristic performance on uneven bars hurt the Bruins’ overall score in that rotation. Alipio’s fall on the balance beam also presented a challenge. However, Emma Malabuyo’s strong 9.925 performance on beam proved pivotal in shifting momentum before the final rotation.
The meet, the first ever nationally televised on FOX, was held in front of a crowd of 10,681 at Pauley Pavilion during the team’s annual alumni meet. The win marks Michigan State’s first Big Ten loss of the season and showcases UCLA’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure. UCLA improves to 6-2 overall and 3-0 in the Big Ten.
First Piper 