The second-ranked Bruins fought their way through an extended game to prevail, 10-9, scoring the last goal with only 13 seconds left in the second overtime.

UCLA's Logan Powell scored on a rebound shot to end the game. Tony Aze-vedo of Stanford took a final shot with only five seconds remaining, but UCLA goalkeeper Joe Axelrad made the save. The title is the eighth for the Bruins' water polo program.

The game was played before an overflow crowd of 3,044, about 500 more than the 2,500 capacity at the Avery Aquatic Center. Stanford's three goals in the first period were the most UCLA allowed in the first period all season.

UCLA head coach Adam Krikorian said winning the title was "one of the best feelings in the world."

"That was one of the most courageous efforts I have ever coached, and maybe even seen as a sports fan," he said. "Our guys are in incredible physical condition. I worked them extremely hard for two years. It is a testament to their courage today."

Stanford led after the first period when Greg Crum, San Tyre and Thomas Hopkins all scored. UCLA's Albert Garcia was the lone Bruin to score in the first period, though he scored twice. However, the second period found UCLA coming out strong with goals from Powell, Peter Belden and Grant Zider. A goal from the Cardinal's Peter Varellas made the score 5-4 UCLA at the half.

Each team scored a single goal in the third period, but Stanford tied the score in the fourth with two goals to UCLA's one. Both teams had a single score in the first overtime period. Powell's winning shot was a rebound off a scoring attempt by teammate Josh Hewko.

Stanford also was runner-up in last year's title game that was won by Southern California in another double-overtime battle.

Stanford coach John Vargas congratulated the UCLA team on its victory and said it was obvious the Bruins' focus was on neutralizing Azevedo, a two-time Olympian considered one of the best water polo players in the world.

"UCLA is talented. They threw a lot of guys at us," he said. "We tried to control the tempo of the game and take away their counterattack."

Krikorian is now tied with UC Irvine Coach Ted Newland for most NCAA water polo championships won by an active head coach. Both Krikorian and Newland have three.

Semifinals

Loyola Marymount goals: Endre Rex-Kiss 4, Matt Reynolds 1, Pat Reilly 1.

Stanford goals: Tony Azevedo 3, Greg Crum 3, Peter Varellas 2, Thomas Hopkins 2, Matt Moser 2, J.J. Garton 1, Michael Bury 1.

Saves: Stanford (Chad Taylor and Beau Stockstill) 8; Loyola Marymount (Ian Elliott) 8.

UCLA goals: Peter Belden 2, Brett Ormsby 1, Josh Hewko 1, Ted Peck 1, Albert Garcia 1.

Princeton goals: John Stover 2, Jamal Motlagh 1, Mike Murray 1, Dean Riskas 1.

Saves: UCLA (Joseph Axelrad) 1; Princeton (Peter Sabbatini) 12.

Third-place game

Princeton goals: Nicholas Seaver 1, John Stover 1, Mike Murray 2, Zach Beckmann 1.

Loyola Marymount goals: Endre Rex-Kiss 3, Pat Reilly 1, Cutberto Hernandez 1, Brian McShane 1.

Saves: Loyola Marymount (Ian Elliott) 12; Princeton (Peter Sabbatini) 8

Championship game

UCLA goals: Albert Garcia 2, Brett Ormsby 2, Logan Powell 2, Peter Belden 1, Josh Hewko 1, Grant Zider 1, Ted Peck 1.

Stanford goals:Peter Varellas 3, Thomas Hopkins 2, Greg Crum 2, Tony Azevedo 1, San Tyre 1.

Saves: UCLA (Joseph Axelrad) 8; Stanford (Chad Taylor) 6.