UCLA secured a narrow overtime win against the No. 10 ranked Illinois Fighting Illini, a result that significantly aids their chances of making the NCAA tournament. The Bruins staged a remarkable comeback, overcoming a deficit that reached 23 points in the first half to ultimately win 95-94. Donovan Dent was instrumental in the victory, scoring the go-ahead layup with just one second left in overtime.
Game Details and Key Moments
The contest, played on Saturday night, saw UCLA mount a historic comeback.
The Bruins trailed by as much as 23 points in the first half.
At halftime, UCLA was down 50-43, having outscored Illinois 33-17 in the closing minutes of the first half.
The game remained close throughout, with Trent Perry giving UCLA a 93-92 lead with 16 seconds remaining in regulation.
Donovan Dent’s decisive layup in overtime secured the win for UCLA with one second left on the clock.
Player Performances
Several players made notable contributions for UCLA.
Donovan Dent was central to the victory, scoring the winning basket and tallying 14 points along with a career-high 15 assists.
Eric Dailey Jr. scored 20 points before fouling out.
Tyler Bilodeau, averaging 18.1 points this season, played a significant role, including hitting crucial three-pointers.
Trent Perry contributed 11 first-half points.
For Illinois, Keaton Wagler and Kylan Boswell combined for 32 points. Humrichous scored 12 points in the first half, and Kylan Boswell added 13 points. Zvonimir Ivisic had 11 points off the bench.
Strategic Approaches and Fouls
UCLA's coaching staff appeared to focus on disrupting Illinois' key players.
The Bruins specifically aimed to limit the scoring of Keaton Wagler and Kylan Boswell.
This strategy forced Illinois' secondary players to take more long-range shots.
The late game was impacted by players fouling out, including Dailey and former Illinois guard Skyy Clark.
NCAA Tournament Implications
The victory holds considerable weight for UCLA's postseason aspirations.
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The Bruins had recently suffered two losses to No. 2 Michigan and No. 15 Michigan State during a road trip.
This win against a ranked opponent like No. 10 Illinois bolsters their standing and improves their chances for an NCAA tournament berth.
Post-Game Outlook
Looking ahead, both teams have upcoming games that will test their recent performance.
UCLA is scheduled to host USC on Tuesday.
Illinois is set to host No. 1 Michigan on Friday.
Sources
Los Angeles Times: Donovan Dent channels Tyus Edney, lifts UCLA to stunning OT win over No. 10 Illinois
Context: General sports news coverage.
OC Register: Donovan Dent’s OT layup lifts UCLA men to upset of No. 10 Illinois
Context: Local sports news coverage.
CBS Sports: Dent’s late layup in OT lifts UCLA past No. 10 Illinois 95-94 after 23-point comeback
Context: National sports news coverage, often including game recaps and analysis.
92.1 The Ticket: Donovan Dent goes end to end as UCLA tops No. 10 Illinois at the buzzer
Context: Sports news reporting, likely from a radio station's sports desk.
