Los Angeles– UCLA Had a very bad week, coming off a blowout loss on the road, where coach Mick Cronin angrily – and later admitted wrongly – ruled out one of his players at Michigan State.
Didn’t expect things to get much better with number 10 Illinois Visit to Pauley Pavilion. And he didn’t do that in the first half. The Illini, winners of 14 of 16, built a 23-point lead while shooting 54% from the floor and 53% from 3-point range.
“I was worried before the game,” Cronin said. “I didn’t like the look on his face before the game. It was almost like he lost confidence. And we played like that in the beginning, until we forgot about it.”
The Bruins roared back. donovan dent Hitting the winning layup with one second remaining in overtime win 95-94. Fans flooded the court to celebrate UCLA’s second top-10 upset on home soil. The Bruins defeated then-No. January 20 4 Purdue 69-67.
It was UCLA’s largest comeback since trailing by 19 points in a 90–83 win over Oregon at home on February 23, 2019. According to ESPN Research, the Bruins’ 23-point comeback is the largest comeback to defeat a Top 10 opponent in the history of the AP Poll.
“Even when we lost big, we still stuck together as a team,” Dent said. “We just kept saying keep fighting.”
UCLA’s defense stiffened, holding the nation’s top offensive team to 22% shooting and 0 of 5 from 3-point range in overtime.
“I hope it helps our confidence,” Cronin said. “You would hope that would send a message to them that if you’re bought in defensively, we have a great chance to win.”
Dent dribbled downcourt and got to the rim in 4.9 seconds, splitting two Illini players near the free throw line and getting past one last defender for an up-and-under basket.
“I wasn’t jumping to save my life,” he said. “I missed five in a row, so it was amazing for me to get there.”
Dent had 14 points, 15 assists and no turnovers in 42 minutes.
“That’s what he’s here for,” teammates Eric Daly Jr.. Said.
The Bruins (18–9, 10–6 Big Ten) were coming off consecutive 20-plus point losses for the first time since the 1944–45 season.
“We have to flush them,” Dent said.
Cronin’s rejection of the reserve made it even worse steven jamerson ii For committing what he believed was a dirty foul late in East Lansing, leading to negative publicity. Cronin changed his mind after watching replays and said he apologized to Jamerson, who played a minute and a half on Saturday.
“There’s a lot of negativity toward our program. We can’t let those outside forces in,” Daly said. “One thing we’re trying to focus on is positive words toward each other, just encouraging each other to do well. When a player’s head is down, pick him up.”
The Bruins have four regular season games remaining, including against No. 9 Nebraska and two with crosstown rival Southern California. Then, it’s off to the Big Ten Tournament in Chicago.
Time is running out to get out of the NCAA Tournament bubble.
“Our season is on the line right now,” Dent said. “We are in despair.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
