UCLA’s Thrilling Comeback Against Illinois
In a thrilling college basketball showdown on Saturday night, UCLA overcame a staggering 23-point deficit to defeat No. 10 Illinois 95-94 in overtime, marking a memorable comeback at Pauley Pavilion. The game’s decisive moment came when Donovan Dent sank a layup with just one second left on the clock, prompting jubilant Bruins fans to rush the court as the final buzzer sounded.
Historic Comeback
This dramatic victory stands as UCLA’s largest comeback since 2019, when they turned around a 19-point disadvantage against Oregon, ultimately winning 90-83. Entering the game, Illinois was favored by 7.5 points, as reported by BetMGM Sportsbook, and appeared to be in command early on, establishing a significant lead in the first half.
Key Players
Eric Dailey Jr. was a standout player for the Bruins, contributing 20 points. Close behind him, Tyler Bilodeau and Trent Perry added 18 and 17 points, respectively. The Illini’s freshman star, Keaton Wagler, made a substantial impact with 19 points, achieving a perfect 8-for-8 at the free-throw line, along with eight rebounds and six assists.
Game Highlights
As the second half unfolded, UCLA found their rhythm, capitalizing on three consecutive three-pointers to diminish Illinois’s advantage. Xavier Booker even put the Bruins ahead for the first time at 60-58, resulting in a back-and-forth contest during which the lead changed hands repeatedly. A crucial moment came when UCLA’s Bilodeau hit a three, contributing to an 78-73 lead for the Bruins.
Despite this, Illinois was not finished, rallying late in the game with Wagler’s foul shots bringing the score to a tense 86-all. With seconds remaining in regulation, Dent narrowly missed a last-second three-pointer, pushing the game into overtime. The extra period saw both teams tied several times, showcasing their back-and-forth struggle, but ultimately, it was Dent’s final layup that sealed the game for UCLA.
Looking Ahead
The Illini, coming into the match riding high after a dominant 36-point victory over Southern California—marking their largest win in Big Ten road history—saw their record drop to 22-6 (13-4 in conference play) with this loss. Conversely, UCLA, now sporting an impressive home record of 15-1, improved to 18-9 (10-6 in the Big Ten).
The Bruins are looking to build on this success as they prepare to face crosstown rival USC on Tuesday, while Illinois will host the top-ranked Michigan next Friday. This thrilling contest reflects not only the unpredictable nature of college basketball but also sets the stage for exciting matchups ahead.
