The UCLA Bruins faced their own internal challenges while achieving a decisive 79-48 victory over the Sacramento State Hornets on Tuesday. Despite the significant scoreline, the Bruins” path to success was anything but straightforward, reflecting ongoing issues that the team is working to address.
In a surprising move, head coach Mick Cronin opted to bench four regular starters, with only Eric Dailey Jr. remaining on the floor from the usual lineup. Dailey was joined by Trent Perry, Jamar Brown, Brandon Williams, and Stevem Jamerson II. This strategic decision seemed to resonate well with the players, as they established a strong defensive presence, preventing the Hornets from scoring for the first six minutes.
Once the regular starters re-entered the game, the momentum largely stayed in UCLA”s favor. However, the team”s energy appeared to dwindle as the second half progressed, revealing some of the offensive inconsistencies seen earlier in the season. Dailey emerged as the standout performer, contributing 15 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. Off the bench, Xavier Booker added 12 points and eight rebounds while dealing with foul trouble for much of the second half.
Perry continued his impressive form in his sophomore season, scoring 11 points. Jamar Brown also reached double figures with 10 points and six rebounds. Unfortunately, some of the remaining starters struggled to make an impact. Forward Tyler Bilodeau fouled out after 18 minutes, finishing the game with just six points, while Donovan Dent”s shooting woes persisted as he managed only five points on 2-of-9 shooting.
Looking ahead, the Bruins, who now hold a record of 4-1 and have yet to play a Big Ten game, will return to Pauley Pavilion on Friday to face Presbyterian at 7:30 PM PT, a game that will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.
In terms of team statistics, UCLA shot 48% from the field (28-58), while their three-point shooting was less effective at 33% (7-21). From the free-throw line, they converted 67% of their attempts (16-24). In contrast, Sacramento State struggled significantly, shooting just 24% from the field (13-54) and only 13% from beyond the arc (3-24).
The Bruins also dominated the rebounding battle, securing 34 total rebounds compared to Sacramento State”s 35. UCLA tallied 20 assists and had a notable defensive performance with nine steals and three blocks. However, they did commit 15 turnovers, which resulted in 23 points for the Hornets.
As the Bruins continue to address their internal struggles, their performance against Sacramento State showcased their potential and the importance of teamwork moving forward.
