URGENT UPDATE: The UCLA Bruins clinched a hard-fought victory against the Oregon Ducks, winning 74-63 at Pauley Pavilion on July 15, 2025. This win is crucial as it extends their record to 7-2 overall and 2-0 in the Big Ten.
The game showcased a tale of two halves for the Bruins, who started strong, shooting an impressive 55.6% (15 for 27) in the first half but faltered in the second, hitting just 32.1% (9 for 28). Coach Mick Cronin expressed mixed emotions, stating, “Awful, awful shooting. And we still were able to win by 11. Gotta be happy with that.”
Despite the shooting woes, Cronin praised senior guard Donovan Dent, who struggled offensively with a dismal 4 for 14 from the field and 0 for 1 from three-point range. “I thought Donnie’s effort was great,” Cronin said, acknowledging the pressure on Dent, who transferred to UCLA hoping to bolster the team’s championship aspirations.
Dent, a standout player who averaged 20.4 points per game last season at New Mexico, arrived at UCLA with high expectations. His $3 million name, image, and likeness deal reflects the immense faith the Bruins have in his talent. However, he has faced challenges this season, averaging just 12 points per game and shooting 36.2% overall, a stark contrast to his previous performance.
Cronin noted the importance of Dent’s defense, especially against Oregon’s top scorer, Jackson Shelstad, who finished with 20 points. “He’s hard on himself,” Cronin reiterated, highlighting the need for Dent to focus on leadership and team play rather than solely on his scoring. Junior teammate Eric Dailey Jr. encouraged Dent, saying, “Keep your head up. You’re gonna miss shots, you’re gonna make shots. It don’t matter.”
As UCLA looks to solidify their position in the national rankings, the coaching staff remains optimistic about Dent’s potential to turn around his performance. “We all know he’s going to have monster nights,” Cronin stated, emphasizing Dent’s capability as a scorer.
Moving forward, all eyes will be on Dent as the Bruins prepare for their next challenge, with fans hoping he finds his rhythm. The Bruins will need him firing on all cylinders if they aim to make a significant impact in the upcoming tournament.
Expect to see more updates as UCLA continues its season, with every game crucial for their championship ambitions.
