The UCLA Bruins, ranked No. 15, achieved a critical victory against West Georgia, winning 83-62 on Monday. This win was particularly essential as the Bruins gear up to face a top 5 opponent later this week. Without star point guard Donovan Dent, who missed the game due to a muscle strain, UCLA struggled offensively in the first half, only leading by five points at halftime with a score of 37-32. The absence of Dent was noticeable, especially during a stretch where the team failed to score in the final four minutes of the half.
This game served as a much-needed boost for the Bruins, who had previously recorded two unimpressive wins against Eastern Washington and Pepperdine to start the season. Coach Mick Cronin indicated that Dent is expected to return for the upcoming matchup against No. 5 Arizona on Friday at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
One of the standout performances came from sophomore guard Trent Perry, who has emerged as a key player for UCLA this season. Filling in for Dent, Perry delivered an impressive performance with 17 points, five rebounds, and nine assists, while only committing two turnovers. His contribution was crucial in ensuring that the Bruins maintained control of the game against West Georgia.
Despite the victory, questions linger about whether UCLA is truly ready for ranked competition. While the Bruins sit at 3-0, their wins have come against teams that many consider weaker opponents. With a 21-point margin against the Wolves, the Bruins” earlier performances have raised skepticism regarding their readiness as they prepare to face Arizona, which has had a more challenging schedule.
As UCLA looks ahead, fans are eager to see how the team will perform against a highly ranked opponent. The upcoming game against Arizona promises to be a significant test for the Bruins as they aim to solidify their standing in the early season.
