Lazeric Jones scored 21 points and UCLA began the first day of the post-Reeves Nelson era with a much-needed 77-73 victory over Pennsylvania at Anaheim, Calif., on Saturday.

Jerime Anderson hit the first of three-straight 3-pointers for the Bruins midway through the first half and desperate UCLA never trailed to record only its second Division I victory of the season.

David Wear added 12 rebounds and 11 points for the Bruins (3-5).

Nelson, who led the Pac-10 in rebounding and was fourth in scoring last season, was dismissed from the team Friday after twice having been suspended for insubordinate behavior this season.

“Reeves did not want to leave. He’s disappointed,” Howland said in a teleconference before the game. “But he also understands that this is the final decision. This is it. We are moving forward without him.”

Tyler Bernardini led the Quakers (5-6) with 29 points. He hit eight 3-pointers, including one with 3:08 left to cut UCLA’s lead to 71-67, but Penn never got any closer.