UCLA Dominates No. 9 Nebraska, Securing 20th Win of Season

LOS ANGELES – The UCLA Bruins (20-10, 12-7 Big Ten) delivered a commanding performance Tuesday night, defeating No. 9 Nebraska (25-5, 14-5 Big Ten) 72-52 at Pauley Pavilion. The victory marked UCLA’s 20th win of the season and their third against a top-10 ranked opponent.

Bruins Control the Game from Start to Finish

Trent Perry led the Bruins with 20 points, while Eric Dailey Jr. Contributed 14 points and eight rebounds. UCLA never trailed, establishing control from the opening tip-off. The Bruins’ strong performance was bolstered by 26 points in the paint and 17 second-chance points.

Key Performances and Defensive Standouts

UCLA’s defense proved pivotal, holding Nebraska to just 5 of 24 shooting from three-point range, despite the Cornhuskers averaging 11.2 three-pointers per game. Pryce Sandfort, Nebraska’s leading three-point shooter, was limited to nine points. Brandon Williams added six points and three rebounds off the bench for UCLA.

Cronin Praises Team Effort

UCLA coach Mick Cronin highlighted the team’s overall effort. “Nebraska’s got a great team,” Cronin said. “This is the best we’ve played all year – they brought out the best in us. We went from our worst defensive effort to our best. They outhustle everyone they play, but not us.”

Senior Night Celebration

Prior to the game, UCLA honored its seniors: Tyler Bilodeau, Donovan Dent, and Skyy Clark, along with fifth-year player Jamar Brown, redshirt seniors Steven Jamerson II, Jack Seidler and Anthony Peoples Jr; and redshirt junior Evan Manjikian. Former UCLA coach Jim Harrick, who led the Bruins to their 11th national championship in 1995, was also recognized during a timeout.

Looking Ahead

UCLA will conclude its regular season on Saturday with a visit to crosstown rival USC. Nebraska will host Iowa on Sunday to close out their regular season. CBS News and Huskers.com provide further details on both teams’ upcoming schedules.

Game Statistics

UCLA: Trent Perry 20 points, Eric Dailey Jr. 14 points, Tyler Bilodeau, Skyy Clark, Xavier Booker 8 points each.

Nebraska: Sam Hoiberg 12 points, Rienk Mast 11 points, Cale Jacobsen 11 points.