URGENT UPDATE: The UCLA Bruins defeated the Oregon Ducks 74-63 at Pauley Pavilion, despite a dramatic shooting slump in the second half. Coach Mick Cronin expressed relief that his team secured the win, even as they struggled offensively after a strong first half.
In a game that showcased a tale of two halves, UCLA shot 55.6% in the first half but plummeted to just 32.1% after the break. “Awful, awful shooting,” Cronin stated. “And we still were able to win by 11. Gotta be happy with that.”
The Bruins, now 7-2 and 2-0 in the Big Ten, managed to overcome the shooting woes largely due to their tenacious defense, highlighted by Donovan Dent’s performance. While Dent struggled with only 4 for 14 shooting and 0 for 1 from three-point range, Cronin praised his effort and defense against Oregon’s standout Jackson Shelstad, who scored 20 points.
Dent, a senior guard and highly touted transfer from New Mexico, arrived at UCLA with immense expectations, including a reported $3 million name, image, and likeness deal. As the nation’s leading transfer, his prior scoring prowess, averaging 20.4 points last season, has fans anxious for his return to form. Currently, Dent is averaging just 12 points per game, with shooting percentages of 36.2% overall and a mere 7.7% from beyond the arc.
Cronin emphasized the importance of maintaining confidence, reminding Dent that his value extends beyond scoring. “He’s hard on himself,” Cronin noted. “He’s too hard on himself about whether the ball goes in or not. He gets mad at himself.” Teammates are rallying around him, with junior Eric Dailey Jr. offering support after a missed shot, reinforcing that the team needs him to keep shooting.
The Bruins understand that Dent’s offensive capabilities can be pivotal as they aim for a deep run in the NCAA tournament. Cronin stated, “We all know he’s going to have monster nights. He’s got it in him.”
As the Bruins continue their season, the pressure is on Dent to find his rhythm and lead the team offensively. How he responds to this challenge will be crucial as UCLA prepares for upcoming matchups. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Dent can rise to the occasion and help propel the Bruins toward their championship aspirations.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Bruins navigate their Big Ten schedule, with eyes set on maximizing their potential and making a strong postseason showing.
