Xavier Booker is coming off his best game as a college basketball player. He had 24 points against Rutgers in the 98-66 win and looked dominant. The Bruins have been waiting for a breakout performance from him this season and they were able to get it. A game in which the Bruins really needed the win after a double OT thrilling loss to Indiana. Booker shot 10-11 from the floor and 4-4 from 3-point range on the night. Proving to show his 3-point ascent from liability to having to have a man on him on defense.
After Xavier Booker’s 4-4 performance from 3 against Rutgers he is up to 48.5% from 3 on the year (16-33) pic.twitter.com/qXuaMpF5AI
— 12 coming (@90to63) February 7, 2026
Booker came over from Michigan State this past offseason through the transfer portal. As he was one of the trio of transfers expected to make an impact with UCLA. Along with Donovan Dent and Jamar Brown. All three have played below expectations but continue to get better. Booker will need to build on that performance as UCLA steams ahead towards March. The team will need improved efforts from all players to be in contention and try and finish this season with 20 wins.
Xavier Booker's defense will be key in limiting Hannes Steinbach
Booker will never be a traditional center. He is a lanky player that doesn’t have much of a post-game. He can also affect the game on the defensive end by blocking shots. Which will give him a good opportunity tonight against Washington to try and contain Hannes Steinbach. A guy that if the Bruins are not careful could easily beat them by himself. He is that good and will be a good test to see where UCLA is at now.
This guy has to be the least talked about impact freshman. Hannes Steinbach. It's WA so I get it but this dude has great hands, footwork and a great finisher. Oh and he leads all freshmen in rebounding https://t.co/l5MWtaC8CG
— College Ball King (@collegeballking) February 5, 2026
Booker is an experienced player and a vital one for UCLA. He has big-time minutes at Michigan State and continues to play a role with UCLA at the center position. Him coming in and taking over that spot has allowed Tyler Bilodeau to fully succeed to his potential moving back to power forward. Not having to guard the center position and take a lot of his energy. Now with an elite performance under his belt, we look to see if Booker can keep it up.