UCLA’s Donovan Dent Injured in Troubling Loss to Cal, 80-72

UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, UCLA’s point guard Donovan Dent suffered a serious lower leg injury during the Bruins’ 80-72 defeat to the California Golden Bears last night at the Chase Center. With just two minutes left on the clock, Dent limped off the court, raising immediate concerns for the No. 18 ranked team.

The Bruins, now 5-2, faced a night of underperformance against their old Pac-12 rivals, who seized control of the game with determination and grit. The Golden Bears improved to 6-1, showcasing their strength by hitting 50% of their three-point attempts, sinking 11 of 22 shots from beyond the arc.

The game took a toll on Dent, a transfer from New Mexico who has struggled to find his rhythm this season. He finished with a dismal 3 points on just 1 of 8 shooting, alongside 6 turnovers and only 7 assists. His shooting woes continue, with his three-point percentage lingering at a mere 10% and free-throw percentage at 56.7%.

UCLA’s head coach Mick Cronin expressed frustration as the team failed to rally in the crucial moments of the game. The Bruins fell behind after California’s Chris Bell hit a three-pointer, extending the Golden Bears’ lead to 65-53 with 9:29 remaining. This prompted Cronin to call a timeout in a desperate bid to regroup.

“We need to figure things out, especially with our top players struggling,” Cronin remarked after the game. “Donovan’s injury adds to our challenges.”

Despite the setback, UCLA’s Eric Dailey Jr. and Trent Perry each contributed 17 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome California’s resolve. The Bruins briefly closed the gap to 71-67 with a corner three-pointer from Jamar Brown, only to see their hopes dashed as Cal responded decisively.

UCLA’s leading scorer, Tyler Bilodeau, missed his second consecutive game due to a knee sprain, further complicating the team’s already precarious situation. His absence was palpable as the Bruins struggled to maintain momentum.

As the team heads into the next phase of the season, fans are left anxious about Dent’s injury and the overall performance of the team. The Bruins’ next matchup will be critical as they seek to rebound from this defeat and address their ongoing struggles.

Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops, and watch for announcements regarding Dent’s condition and UCLA’s upcoming games.