UCLA went into their matchup with the California Golden Bears at 5-1 and an 8.5-point favorite on the night. UCLA was seen as large favorites due to them having more depth and a talented roster even with Tyler Bilodeau out with injury. UCLA did not live up to the hype and squandered away an opportunity to move to 6-1 on the season. Now leaving San Francisco with more questions rather than answers as Big ten play is set to begin.
FINAL: California 80, UCLA 72#GoBruins pic.twitter.com/5qyvg693ZJ
— UCLA Men’s Basketball (@UCLAMBB) November 26, 2025
The Bruins continued to struggle from the free throw line as they shot 57% on the night. They will understand very soon that those opportunities are going to separate wins and losses. Time and time again, we have seen teams leave points on the floor and it come back to bite them. Mick Cronin will need to ramp up the stakes in practice and put players in pressure situations. Anything to help them break out of the funk, because it has become hard to watch whenever a player heads to the line.
UCLA's getting nothing from its biggest transfer acquisition, it can't hit a free throw and is now playing desperately on offense, while Cal is playing with poise.
— Aaron Heisen (@aaron_heisen) November 26, 2025
Donovan Dent struggled on the night as he shot 1-8 from the field and had six turnovers and only three points. It was not his night, and UCLA is going to need a lot more production from him this season if they want a chance to compete in the Big Ten. Trent Perry constantly kept the Bruins in the game as he was able to breakdown Cal's defense. He finished the night with 19 points on 6-10 shooting and should see an uptick in minutes moving forward. As his confidence seems to be at an all-time high after struggling in the Arizona game.
Trent Perry having himself a game, up to 16 points and showing fight.
— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) November 26, 2025
Eric Dailey Jr. had a solid night with 17 points and 7 rebounds. While Skyy Clark had seven points early in the first half and didn't score again the rest of the game. Consistency will be something UCLA will need to find, as they have fixed some areas, but not pieced it all together for a full game yet. They are controlling the paint better and rebounding better. But to win basketball games you cannot shoot 13-23 from the free throw line. It will beat Presbyterian but not top tier opponents. Disappointing outing by the Bruins tonight.