Donovan Dent scores 30 points as UCLA men rout USC - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Steve Galluzzo

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Donovan Dent’s 30-point performance, including five three-pointers, led the UCLA men’s basketball team to a dominant 81-62 victory over USC in their highly anticipated matchup at Pauley Pavilion. The win marked UCLA’s fifth straight and kept them in seventh place in the Big Ten standings with just three regular-season games remaining. Despite USC’s early struggles and a strong second-half push, UCLA’s offensive efficiency and ability to capitalize on turnovers proved decisive. The game was a rematch between two teams with contrasting momentum: UCLA had just recorded one of its biggest wins of the season, rallying from a 23-point deficit to defeat 10th-ranked Illinois in overtime. USC, meanwhile, was still reeling from a close loss to Oregon. The Bruins’ second-half dominance, highlighted by a 10-of-12 shooting streak that extended their lead, showcased their ability to maintain composure under pressure. Key contributors like Trent Perry (13 points, four assists) and Xavier Booker (11 points, three blocks) supported Dent’s standout effort, while Tyler Bilodeau added 13 points and nine rebounds. USC struggled to find consistency offensively, with star guard Alijah Arenas limited to just 10 points and five turnovers. Chad Baker-Mazara led the Trojans with 25 points, but his efforts were insufficient as UCLA’s defense clamped down in critical moments. The Bruins’ ability to score 32 points in the paint and generate 15 points off turnovers underscored their superior execution and team chemistry. Despite USC’s

Verticals

newscalifornia

Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/25/2026