UPDATE: In a gripping showdown at Pauley Pavilion, the UCLA Bruins triumphed over the Oregon Ducks with a score of 74-63, despite a dramatic drop in shooting performance during the second half. Just hours ago, Coach Mick Cronin addressed the team’s inconsistent play, stating, “Awful, awful shooting,” yet expressed satisfaction with their ability to secure the win.
The Bruins showcased a dominant first half, hitting 15 for 27 (55.6%) from the field. However, their shooting plummeted in the second half, where they managed only 9 for 28 (32.1%). Still, the Bruins improved their record to 7-2 overall and 2-0 in the Big Ten, demonstrating resilience despite the offensive struggles.
The spotlight was on senior guard Donovan Dent, a highly touted transfer from New Mexico. Dent faced challenges during the game, shooting just 4 for 14 from the field and missing all attempts from beyond the arc. Yet, Cronin remained optimistic, emphasizing Dent’s contributions in defense against Oregon’s standout Jackson Shelstad, who scored 20 points.
In an emotional moment, Dent received encouragement from his teammates, with junior Eric Dailey Jr. reminding him, “Keep your head up. You’re gonna miss shots, you’re gonna make shots.” The message resonated, as Dent has proven to be a key player capable of turning games around when in form.
Cronin is aware of the pressure on Dent, who entered UCLA with a stellar reputation, including a $3 million name, image, and likeness deal. Last season, he averaged 20.4 points per game and earned honorable mention All-America status. This season, however, Dent’s averages have dipped to just 12 points per game, raising concerns among fans.
Despite this, Cronin remains focused on Dent’s overall impact on the team. “He’s too hard on himself about whether the ball goes in or not,” Cronin remarked. He urged Dent to concentrate on being a leader and improving his defense rather than solely fixating on scoring.
As the Bruins gear up for further challenges, including upcoming games that will test their mettle, the team is counting on Dent to regain his scoring prowess. “We all know he’s going to have monster nights,” Cronin concluded, emphasizing his confidence in Dent’s ability to rise to the occasion.
Fans are urged to stay tuned for the Bruins’ next match-up as they aim to continue their winning streak and push for a top spot in the conference. With the season still young, the potential for explosive performances from Dent remains high.
