23. UCLA (3-1)
Great things could come from the Bruins this season, though the first few weeks of the season have left us scratching our heads a few times. The haul from the transfer portal was notable as Mick Cronin reloaded the talent of a team that made its mark last season and is hoping for more this year. However, the opening week saw a few games closer than expected and it was more of the same in week two.
First came Monday night, as the Bruins knocked off West Georgia 83-62 with a final result a little closer than some may have expected. Still, Tyler Bilodeau had 21 points, Trent Perry added 17 points and 9 assists, and the Bruins survived without star Donovan Dent. He was back in the lineup and the Bruins had their best effort on Friday but still fell 69-65 in a tough contest against a Top 5 Arizona team. Bilodeau led with 19 points while Eric Dailey Jr. added 13 points but UCLA fell just short against a former Pac-12 rival.
The level of play has been a bit inconsistent early in the season, but that injury to Dent isn’t something we can just ignore. Still, Cronin and his UCLA squad clearly have a lot to build and work on in the weeks ahead before Big Ten play begins. It’s just home dates with Sacramento State and Presbyterian next week and the hope that the Bruins can look much more like a top team with a fluid lineup in those outings.