URGENT UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, the No. 18 UCLA Bruins suffered an 80-72 loss to the California Golden Bears on November 14, 2023, at the Chase Center in San Francisco. The loss raises significant concerns for UCLA as they struggle to find their rhythm this season.
The Bruins, now at 5-2, faced off against their former Pac-12 rival but appeared disinterested and unmotivated, allowing Cal to dominate the matchup. The Golden Bears, improving to 6-1, were relentless, showcasing their determination as they shot 50% from beyond the arc, sinking 11 of 22 three-pointers.
The situation worsened for UCLA when point guard Donovan Dent went down with a concerning lower leg injury with just under two minutes remaining in the game. His absence compounds UCLA’s ongoing struggles; Dent, who transferred from New Mexico, has yet to find his footing this season, scoring only three points against Cal while making just one of eight shots and registering six turnovers.
While UCLA rallied at times, pulling within 71-67 in the final minutes thanks to a three-pointer from Jamar Brown, the team’s hopes were dashed when Cal’s Dai Dai Ames hit a pivotal three-pointer to extend the Golden Bears’ lead to eight points.
The loss has raised alarms among Bruins fans, especially as leading scorer Tyler Bilodeau missed his second consecutive game due to a knee sprain. The uncertainty surrounding Bilodeau’s return adds to the mounting pressure on the UCLA squad.
Coach Mick Cronin’s lineup adjustments, including a shift to a four-guard setup, briefly stabilized their performance, but it was clear that the Bruins are struggling to find consistent play. Eric Dailey Jr. and Trent Perry each contributed 17 points, but it was not enough to secure a victory.
As UCLA looks ahead, the immediate focus will be on the health of Dent and Bilodeau. The team’s next game will be crucial as they attempt to bounce back from this disappointing defeat. Fans and analysts will be watching closely for updates on Dent’s injury and the Bruins’ potential lineup changes.
This loss serves as a wake-up call for UCLA, highlighting the need for improved performance and team cohesion as the season progresses. With the pressure mounting, the Bruins must regroup quickly to avoid further setbacks.