In a pivotal moment for their season, the UCLA Bruins achieved a significant upset, defeating the No. 4 Purdue Boilermakers 69-67 on Tuesday night. The victory came thanks to a clutch three-pointer by Tyler Bilodeau with just eight seconds left in the game.
Following a disappointing 12-point loss to Ohio State the previous weekend, UCLA head coach Mick Cronin called out players Donovan Dent, Eric Dailey Jr., and Bilodeau in front of their teammates. “I think we all responded right away, even before we got on the plane after he got on us,” Dent remarked, highlighting the immediate impact of Cronin”s challenge.
Dent led the Bruins with 23 points, 13 assists, and three blocks, including the assist on the winning shot. Bilodeau contributed 14 points, while Dailey added 12 points and seven rebounds. “He”s not doing it to drag us down; he”s doing it to challenge us,” Dailey expressed about Cronin”s tough love. “When you”re challenged like that publicly, you got to respond publicly.”
UCLA”s defense played a crucial role in ending Purdue”s nine-game winning streak, a surprising turnaround for a team that has struggled defensively this season. With this win, the Bruins improved to 13-6 overall and 5-3 in the Big Ten, gaining momentum as they aim for a strong finish in the conference.
This victory against Purdue marks UCLA”s most significant triumph of the season, especially after earlier losses to ranked teams like then-No. 5 Arizona, then-No. 8 Gonzaga, and then-No. 25 Iowa. The team has been without guard Skyy Clark, who has missed the last five games due to a hamstring injury, forcing other players to step up.
“Even in our earlier losses to Arizona and Gonzaga, we were in the game just as much,” Dent noted, reflecting on the team”s potential. “We know how good of a team we have, just which one of us shows up that night. Either we”re going to play hard or we”re not, and that”s been our struggle all season. I think we can build off this a lot and go on a big run here.”
Cronin had previously addressed Dent”s performance, encouraging him to take a more active role in games. “You got to perform,” Cronin told him. “You can”t stand around when your team needs you.”
UCLA”s defense also limited Purdue star Braden Smith to 12 points on 5 of 13 shooting, showcasing the Bruins” tenacity. “He was out there fighting and scrapping and playing with his heart, not watching,” Cronin praised Dent”s effort. The coach”s criticism extended to Xavier Booker, who had nine points and four rebounds. “Just foul somebody, miss a shot, push somebody on the ground,” Cronin urged. “Do something to show your teammates you care. This is competitive sports, man. Fortitude matters.”
Additionally, Cronin expressed frustration with the Big Ten scheduling, which had placed five of UCLA”s first seven conference games on the road. The Bruins entered the game against Purdue with only two days of rest after their previous game, while the Boilermakers had been in Los Angeles since the previous week. “I want to thank the Big Ten for that,” he quipped. “I don”t think they care about basketball.”
