UCLA Men’s Basketball Secures Two Home Wins Against Washington

UCLA Triumphs Over Washington in Close Contest, 77-73

UCLA secured a narrow 77-73 victory against Washington on Saturday night at Pauley Pavilion, bolstered by standout performances from Trent Perry, Tyler Bilodeau, Donovan Dent, and Eric Dailey Jr. Perry led the Bruins with 23 points, delivering crucial free throws in the final moments. Bilodeau, despite dealing with foul trouble, contributed 19 points, while Dent added 17 points and 10 assists. Dailey Jr. chipped in with 14 points.

This win allowed the Bruins to conclude a three-game homestand on a positive note, following a challenging schedule that included a double-overtime loss to Indiana and a decisive 22-point victory over Rutgers. The Bruins, now holding a record of 17-7 and 9-4 in conference play, head into a crucial stretch, with upcoming matchups against the second-ranked Michigan and tenth-ranked Michigan State beginning on Valentine’s Day.

In earlier encounters this season, UCLA struggled against Washington, narrowly escaping with an 82-80 victory during their first meeting on December 3, thanks largely to Skyy Clark’s impressive 25-point performance. Clark has been sidelined for the past ten games due to a hamstring injury.

The Huskies jumped to an early lead, with Wesley Yates III scoring 12 of their first 16 points. However, the Bruins fought back, taking the lead briefly at 25-23 after Perry’s three-pointer capped a 9-0 run. Washington took a 34-30 lead into halftime, marking the first time UCLA trailed at the break since their loss to Ohio State in January.

Bilodeau opened the second half with a three-pointer, quickly tying the game at 38. Dent’s midcourt steal and layup gave UCLA a 47-45 lead as they gradually extended their advantage, holding the Huskies scoreless for nearly five minutes.

As the game neared its conclusion, Washington made a late rally, narrowing the Bruins’ lead to 60-58, but Bilodeau’s basket and free throw restored a five-point cushion. Dent’s driving layup extended the lead to 67-60 with just over a minute left. Despite a brief surge from the Huskies, Perry’s late free throws secured the win for UCLA.

Yates led Washington with 21 points, while Hannes Steinbach contributed 13. The Huskies now hold a record of 12-12 and 4-9 in conference play.

UCLA’s success at the foul line—converting 23 of 29 attempts—keeps them on track to break the school record for best free throw percentage in a single season, currently at 75.6%, set during the 1978-79 season. The Bruins will take to the road next, with their following home game scheduled for February 21 against fifth-ranked Illinois.