UPDATE: The UCLA Bruins secured a vital 74-63 victory over the Oregon Ducks on Saturday at Pauley Pavilion, despite a significant drop in shooting performance during the second half. Coach Mick Cronin expressed satisfaction with the win, highlighting his team’s resilience amid a challenging game.
After an impressive first half shooting 55.6% (15 for 27), the Bruins faltered to just 32.1% (9 for 28) after the break. “Awful, awful shooting,” Cronin remarked, yet he remained optimistic about his team’s ability to overcome offensive struggles, stating, “Gotta be happy with that.”
The win improves UCLA’s record to 7-2 overall and 2-0 in the Big Ten, while the Ducks dropped to 4-5 and 0-2 in conference play. Cronin emphasized the importance of the victory, especially as his team navigates early-season challenges.
Among the standout players, senior guard Donovan Dent struggled offensively, hitting only 4 for 14 from the field and missing all attempts from beyond the arc. However, Cronin defended Dent’s contributions, noting his defensive efforts against Oregon’s top scorer, Jackson Shelstad, who managed 20 points.
“He’s hard on himself,” Cronin said about Dent. “He’s too hard on himself about whether the ball goes in or not. He gets mad at himself.”
Dent, who transferred to UCLA from New Mexico this season, arrived with a reputation as a prolific scorer, having averaged 20.4 points per game last year and secured a lucrative 3 million USD name, image, and likeness deal. His current season averages, however, have dipped to just 12 points per game with shooting percentages of 36.2% overall and 7.7% from three-point range.
His teammates have rallied around him, with junior Eric Dailey Jr. encouraging Dent to remain confident despite his recent struggles. “Keep your head up. You’re gonna miss shots, you’re gonna make shots. It don’t matter,” Dailey Jr. said.
As UCLA looks to build on this victory, Cronin reiterated the need for Dent to focus on leadership and defense rather than solely on scoring. “You don’t have to prove anything,” Cronin advised. “Just worry about your team, worry about making your team better.”
With the pressure mounting, the Bruins are counting on Dent to regain his offensive rhythm as they aim for a deeper run in the NCAA tournament. “We all know he’s going to have monster nights,” Cronin added, emphasizing his belief in Dent’s potential to shine when it matters most.
This victory against Oregon marks a crucial moment for UCLA as they navigate a competitive season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Dent rebounds in upcoming games, making it essential for him to harness his scoring ability to keep the Bruins in contention for a championship run.
