URGENT UPDATE: The UCLA Bruins have triumphed over the Oregon Ducks with a score of 74-63 at Pauley Pavilion, despite a dramatic drop in shooting performance during the second half. The victory, marked by a 55.6% shooting rate in the first half, plummeted to just 32.1% after the break, raising questions about the team’s consistency.
Head Coach Mick Cronin expressed a mix of relief and admiration for his team’s resilience. “Awful, awful shooting,” Cronin stated post-game, acknowledging the adversity faced during the second half. His squad, now standing at 7-2 overall and 2-0 in the Big Ten, managed to pull off the win despite these struggles.
A focal point of the game was senior guard Donovan Dent, who contributed a lackluster 4 for 14 shooting performance, including 0 for 1 from beyond the arc. Cronin, however, praised Dent’s effort on defense, particularly against Oregon’s leading scorer, Jackson Shelstad, who netted 20 points. “He’s hard on himself,” Cronin remarked, emphasizing the importance of mental resilience in overcoming performance slumps.
Dent’s transition to UCLA has been highly anticipated, especially after his standout season at New Mexico, where he averaged 20.4 points per game and earned a prestigious $3 million name, image, and likeness deal. However, this season has seen a significant drop in his scoring efficiency, converting only 36.2% of his shots overall and a mere 7.7% from three-point range, averaging just 12 points per game.
Despite the current challenges, Cronin remains optimistic about Dent’s potential. “We all know he’s going to have monster nights,” he said, reinforcing that Dent’s offensive talent is undeniable and crucial for the Bruins as they aim for a championship run.
The emotional support from teammates has been vital for Dent. Junior Eric Dailey Jr. reassured him during the game, reinforcing the message that missing shots is part of the game. “Keep your head up. You’re gonna miss shots, you’re gonna make shots,” Dailey said, reminding Dent of his importance to the team.
As the Bruins move forward, they will rely on Dent to find his scoring rhythm. Cronin’s strategy involves focusing on leadership and defensive skills, urging Dent to prioritize team dynamics over individual scoring. “You don’t have to prove anything,” Cronin advised, stressing the significance of building trust within the team.
Looking ahead, the Bruins will face tougher challenges in the coming weeks, and the spotlight will remain on Dent and his ability to recover from this slump. Fans are eager to see if he can harness his previous success and lead UCLA through the remainder of the season.
This victory, while satisfying, underscores the need for improvement as the Bruins prepare for their next matchup. All eyes will be on Donovan Dent to see if he can rise to the occasion and help secure more wins for UCLA.
