Trent Perry is making that sophomore leap for UCLA

Trent Perry has taken that sophomore leap for the UCLA Bruins this season. Often being a guy that you can go too that can get you a bucket and make a big play defensively. His improved play this season has been a huge help to UCLA. He will need to continue to play at a high level as UCLA looks to break out of their funk. The team is sitting at 5-2 which may seem like a good record, but it is not the result UCLA has been looking to have. They have struggled in every game outside of Presbyterian, a lower-level opponent.

Perry is averaging 11 points per game on the season on a 52.9% shooting clip and connecting on 36.8% from 3-point range. He has had at least nine points in six of the seven UCLA games this season. With his one outing against Arizona where he only had three points, as his toughest matchup so far. With the Bruins struggling against Cal most of the night on Tuesday. Perry was a lone bright spot with 17 points and consistently beating his defender for buckets.

With the Bruins battling injuries to Tyler Bilodeau and now Donovan Dent. Offense will be at a premium, and other guys will need to pick up production. It’s possible that both Dent and Bilodeau will play in the Big Ten opener. But even if so they will not be 100%, giving Perry and opportunity to continue his elevated play. Even stretching out his 25.6 minutes per game into closer to 30. He has earned it and as long as he plays with confidence, his game has more levels to go as well.

UCLA heads to Washington with more questions that need to be answered then they have solutions. But one consistent has been the play of Perry. They will need him to continue to show strides in his game, as the Bruins work their way through this tough period. He likely won’t enter the starting lineup, but his play stabilizes the bench unit and allows Cronin to bring him in to add an extra spark to the team.