Shorthanded Bruins drop in quarterfinals contest against Purdue

UCLA dropped a tough contest on Saturday afternoon against Purdue. With a chance to go to the Big Ten title game. The Bruins were not able to overcome an injury to Donovan Dent 10 minutes into the game. After already being down their leading scorer Tyler Bilodeau due to injury. Dent went to the locker room, holding his calf and was eventually ruled out for the game. It is seen as precautionary and he will be ready for the NCAA tournament as of right now. It ultimately was too much for UCLA to overcome today.

The Bruins put up a valiant effort without their top two scorers only losing 73-66. UCLA shot 43.9% on the day. While going 7-20 from 3-point range. Their bench gave them really good production without two of their starters in the lineup. Eric Freeny went 3-4 from the field for eight points and 2-3 from 3-point range. The bench has not given them consistency this year, so that was a good sight to see. Hopefully that could keep up when the NCAA tournament comes around.

UCLA played good enough defense on the day to get the win. But when you are sapped of scoring the way that they were, it is hard to put up a high point total. This Bruins team will be dangerous during the NCAA tournament as long as they’re healthy. It would’ve been nice to make the Big Ten title game, but right now their main focus needs to be getting everybody healthy. If they can land somewhere between a No. 7 and No. 9 seed. They can make a run depending on the region.

Trent Perry led UCLA scoring on the day with 15 points. While Eric Dailey Jr. continued his streak of double-digit scoring games with 11 points on the day. His improved play over the last seven games has been a tremendous boost to UCLA. Skyy Clark is a guy the team is happy to have back healthy as well. The veteran guard is a leader on both ends and can shoot the ball very well. Next stop up is Selection Sunday.