In a thrilling matchup at Pauley Pavilion, Donovan Dent emerged as the standout player as UCLA secured a 90-77 victory over Arizona State. The crowd erupted in disbelief as Dent executed a stunning crossover that left a defender trailing, culminating in a driving layup that showcased his skill and determination.
This performance marked a significant turnaround for Dent, who had struggled to find his rhythm earlier in the season. On this particular night, he demonstrated he could indeed lead a team, scoring 20 points and connecting on nine of 17 attempts from the field. His contributions included a mix of layups, floaters, and even a rare three-pointer.
UCLA”s win was bolstered by the efforts of reserve guard Trent Perry, who stepped up when Arizona State threatened to close the gap. After the Sun Devils cut the deficit to just five points in the second half, Perry hit a crucial three-pointer. Following a block by teammate Brandon Williams, Perry assisted Skyy Clark, who also made a three-pointer to extend UCLA”s lead to double digits.
Clark finished the game with 18 points, supported by Tyler Bilodeau, who added another 18 points to the Bruins” total. For Arizona State, guard Anthony Johnson led the scoring with 20 points.
One of Dent”s most memorable moments came late in the game when he assisted Clark for a three-pointer that pushed the lead to 12 points. Although Dent recorded only four assists alongside four turnovers, his overall impact was undeniable.
UCLA coach Mick Cronin made a strategic adjustment by starting backup center Steven Jamerson in the second half, which paid off immediately as Jamerson contributed with offensive rebounds and putback dunks.
What stood out most in Dent”s performance was his regained confidence. After struggling with his shooting, he hit only his second three-pointer of the season, a significant improvement after missing 12 consecutive attempts earlier. This shot lifted his three-point percentage up to 14.3%, a welcome sight for a player who had previously excelled in long-range shooting at New Mexico.
As the Bruins improved to 8-3 on the season, they showcased a strong team effort, highlighting both individual talent and collective resilience against a challenging Pac-12 rival.
