UCLA Bruins Triumph Over Oregon Ducks
In a decisive game on Wednesday evening, the UCLA Bruins showcased their strength against a depleted Oregon squad, securing a 73-57 victory in Eugene, Oregon. This win extends the Ducks’ current losing streak to seven games. Key contributors for UCLA included Tyler Bilodeau, who netted 18 points, and Eric Daily Jr., who notched his second double-double of the season with 14 points and 11 rebounds, matching his personal best.
Game Highlights
The Bruins, now boasting a record of 15-6 overall and 7-3 in the Big Ten, also saw Donovan Dent shine in the second half, scoring 11 of his total 15 points during that period. Although Trent Perry struggled initially, failing to score before halftime on five attempts, he rebounded to tally 12 points. With this latest win, UCLA has claimed three consecutive victories and five wins out of their last six games.
Oregon’s Struggles
On the opposing side, Oregon (8-13, 1-9) was left shorthanded, missing their top scorers due to injuries: Nate Bittle, Jackson Shelstad, and Takai Simpkins, who are ranked first, second, and fourth, respectively, in team scoring averages this season. Despite these setbacks, Kwame Evans Jr. stood out for the Ducks, leading the team with 24 points and contributing nine rebounds.
First Half Overview
Oregon started strong with Evans scoring a quick layup just 10 seconds into the match, yet it wasn’t long before UCLA asserted dominance by going on an 8-0 run. Bilodeau played a pivotal role as he scored seven points during a larger 13-2 run that pushed the Bruins ahead to a commanding 26-13 lead with just over seven minutes remaining in the first half. The first half proved challenging for the Ducks, who struggled to find their rhythm, shooting only 25% from the field and 24% from beyond the arc, going 1-of-11 at the start.
Second Half Dynamics
In the second half, Dailey electrified the crowd with a spectacular alley-oop dunk, bringing UCLA’s advantage to its peak at 44-24 with 16:46 left on the clock. Although Evans managed to kickstart a 12-2 run for Oregon, bringing the deficit to as few as ten points, the Ducks could not close the gap further. From the free-throw line, UCLA excelled, hitting 20 out of 23 attempts, while Oregon made 6 of 9.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, UCLA will prepare to host Indiana this Saturday, while Oregon is set to face Iowa on Sunday.
