UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, UCLA’s point guard Donovan Dent suffered a concerning lower leg injury during the Bruins’ 80-72 defeat to the California Golden Bears at the Chase Center on November 14, 2023. As tensions rise for the No. 18 ranked Bruins, this injury adds to an already troubling season.
The Bruins, struggling with their form, faced a tough matchup against their old Pac-12 rival. Despite an early lead of 41-36 at halftime, UCLA faltered in the second half, unable to maintain momentum against a determined Cal team, now boasting a record of 6-1. The loss drops the Bruins to 5-2, raising urgent questions about their performance moving forward.
With just 2 minutes remaining, Dent limped off the court, heightening concerns for fans and teammates alike. His performance this season has been underwhelming, with an alarming shooting percentage of just 10% from three-point range and 56.7% from the free-throw line. On Tuesday night, he managed only 3 points, making just 1 of 8 shots while committing six turnovers.
As the game progressed, California’s Dai Dai Ames delivered a crushing three-pointer, extending the Golden Bears’ lead to 8 points with just over a minute left, effectively sealing UCLA’s fate. Chris Bell led Cal with 22 points, showcasing their offensive prowess and determination.
UCLA coach Mick Cronin faced difficult decisions as the game slipped away. The Bruins initially rallied, cutting the deficit to 71-67 with under five minutes to play, following a key three-pointer by Jamar Brown. However, the comeback was short-lived.
Adding to the challenges, UCLA’s leading scorer Tyler Bilodeau missed his second consecutive game due to a knee sprain, leaving the team with even more uncertainty. Bilodeau was seen working on his shooting with an assistant coach pregame, but his status remains unclear.
As the season progresses, the Bruins must find answers quickly to avoid further decline. The injury to Dent, coupled with inconsistent performances, raises serious questions about the team’s trajectory. Fans are left anxiously awaiting updates on both Dent’s condition and the team’s future games.
The Bruins will need to regroup and address these critical concerns as they prepare for their next matchup. With the stakes high, every game now carries significant weight for UCLA’s season and its players.
