LOS ANGELES (AP) — UCLA coach Mick Cronin publicly criticized players Donovan Dent, Eric Dailey Jr., and Tyler Bilodeau after a disappointing 12-point defeat to Ohio State last weekend. “I think we all responded right away, even before we got on the plane after he got on us,” Dent remarked.
This response was evident during Tuesday night”s game when UCLA pulled off a stunning upset against No. 4 Purdue, winning 69-67 thanks to a clutch three-pointer by Bilodeau with just eight seconds on the clock. The Boilermakers entered the game favored by 6.5 points, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.
Dent led the Bruins with an impressive performance, scoring 23 points and dishing out 13 assists, including the key 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 said of Cronin”s tough love approach. “When you”re challenged like that publicly, you got to respond publicly.”
UCLA”s victory snapped Purdue”s nine-game winning streak, showcasing a level of defense that has been inconsistent for the Bruins this season. With this win, UCLA, now 13-6 overall and 5-3 in the Big Ten, has secured six victories in their last nine games and improved to 3-3 this month as they aim to climb the conference standings.
This win is particularly significant for UCLA, who had previously suffered defeats against ranked opponents like then-No. 5 Arizona, then-No. 8 Gonzaga, and then-No. 25 Iowa. Additionally, the Bruins have been dealing with the absence of guard Skyy Clark, who has missed five consecutive games due to a hamstring injury, which has required other players to step up.
As the season progresses, UCLA has approximately a month and a half to solidify their position for the NCAA Tournament. “Even in our earlier losses to Arizona and Gonzaga, we were competitive,” Dent stated, acknowledging the talent within the team despite his struggles to meet expectations after transferring from New Mexico. “We know how good of a team we have; it just depends on which version 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 believe we can build off this and go on a significant run.”
Cronin had previously challenged Dent about his performance, urging him to be more involved in games. “You got to perform,” he told Dent. “You can”t stand around when your team needs you.” Dent also played a crucial role in limiting Purdue”s Braden Smith to 12 points on 5 of 13 shooting. Cronin, who refers to Smith as “Superman,” noted that Dent effectively became the guard”s kryptonite, stating, “He was out there fighting and scrapping and playing with his heart, not watching. He was all over the place defensively.”
Additionally, Cronin expressed his frustration towards Xavier Booker, who scored nine points on 4 of 5 shooting, stressing the need for players to demonstrate their commitment to the team. “Just foul somebody, miss a shot, push somebody on the ground,” he implored. “Do something to show your teammates you care. This is competitive sports, man. Fortitude matters.”
Cronin also voiced his discontent with the scheduling imposed by the Big Ten, which saw UCLA play five of their first seven conference games on the road. The Bruins faced Purdue on just two days” rest after their game in Ohio, while the Boilermakers had been in Los Angeles since the previous week, having played against USC on Saturday. “I want to thank the Big Ten for that,” he commented. “I don”t think they care about basketball.”
As the season continues, UCLA”s performance against Purdue may serve as a turning point for the team as they navigate the remainder of their schedule.
