Donovan Dent Shines in UCLA’s Win Against Arizona State
UCLA’s Donovan Dent Shines in Victory Against Arizona State
In a stunning display of athleticism, Donovan Dent captivated the crowd at Pauley Pavilion, leading the UCLA Bruins to a decisive 90-77 victory over Arizona State. The point guard’s impressive crossover left defenders in the dust, culminating in a driving layup that elicited cheers from enthusiastic fans.
Dent, who had struggled in the early part of the season, showcased a level of skill and confidence that had been sorely missed. “He did exactly that,” remarked coach Mick Cronin, referring to Dent’s pivotal role in the game. The transfer from New Mexico contributed significantly, scoring 20 points on nine of 17 shooting, proving himself crucial in fending off the Sun Devils.
The victory marked a turning point for Dent, who had not resembled the star player many expected. His performance included a mix of blow-by layups, floaters, and even a three-pointer, highlighting his diverse skill set. Cronin noted that he anticipated a strong performance from Dent due to the Sun Devils’ unpredictable style of play, which suited Dent’s strengths.
“My coaches and teammates kept reminding me of my abilities,” Dent said following the game. “They all just kind of told me, like, be yourself. And then that’s all you want to hear from your teammates when you’re going through a slump.”
UCLA’s reserve guard, Trent Perry, also made substantial contributions, particularly during a tense moment in the second half when Arizona State narrowed the gap. Perry’s timely three-pointer and a subsequent assist to Skyy Clark for another three helped UCLA regain control. Clark finished the night with 18 points, bolstered by his proficiency from beyond the arc.
UCLA’s efforts were amplified by Tyler Bilodeau, who added another 18 points. The Bruins improved to 8-3, bouncing back from a recent loss to Gonzaga, while Arizona State slipped to 9-3 despite Anthony Johnson leading his team with 20 points.
Despite the victory, Cronin expressed concerns over defensive lapses, particularly around the paint. The Bruins allowed 36 points inside while conceding 25 of 26 free throws to the Sun Devils. “We might go with more three-guard lineups to optimize the team’s talent,” he mentioned, acknowledging the impact of players like Perry and Jamar Brown.
Dent’s performance was marked by a newfound confidence, reflected in his execution and decisiveness. His transition play culminated in a key assist to Clark, solidifying UCLA’s lead late in the game. Though Dent logged just four assists alongside four turnovers, his overall performance indicated a promising turnaround.
“Watching old highlights reminded me of what I can do and who I am,” Dent reflected, underscoring his journey back to form. His resurgence on the court is something that not only benefits him but also uplifts the entire Bruins team as they navigate the competitive landscape of college basketball.
