UPDATE: The UCLA men’s basketball team clinched a hard-fought 74-63 victory against the Oregon Ducks at Pauley Pavilion on Saturday. Despite a dramatic drop in shooting performance during the second half, where they managed only 32.1% from the floor, the Bruins maintained their composure to secure the win.
UCLA’s head coach, Mick Cronin, expressed relief and satisfaction after the game, stating, “Awful, awful shooting. And we still were able to win by 11. Gotta be happy with that.” The Bruins improved to 7-2 overall and 2-0 in Big Ten play, demonstrating resilience despite offensive struggles.
One of the players under scrutiny was senior guard Donovan Dent, who had a challenging game, scoring just 12 points on 4 for 14 shooting. Dent, who transferred to UCLA from New Mexico, arrived with high expectations, including a $3 million name, image, and likeness deal. Cronin reassured the team and fans, emphasizing that Dent’s defensive contributions outweighed his shooting woes.
“He’s hard on himself,” Cronin noted. “He’s too hard on himself about whether the ball goes in or not.” Teammates echoed this sentiment, with junior Eric Dailey Jr. offering support during the game, reminding Dent to stay motivated: “Keep your head up. You’re gonna miss shots, you’re gonna make shots. It don’t matter.”
Dent’s performance is critical for UCLA as they aim for a deep run in the NCAA tournament. The former standout averaged 20.4 points per game last season and has been a key player for the Bruins. Cronin highlighted his potential, stating, “We all know he’s going to have monster nights. He’s got it in him.”
Looking ahead, the Bruins will need Dent to regain his scoring touch as they continue their campaign. His ability to bounce back from challenges will be vital, with Cronin encouraging him to focus on leadership and defense. “Just worry about your team, worry about making your team better,” Cronin advised.
As UCLA prepares for their next matchup, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Dent can shake off the pressure and return to form. The Bruins are counting on him to lead offensively when it matters most, aiming for a successful season ahead.
