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Indiana's Anthony Leal (3) looks to pass around UCLA's Dylan Andrews (2) during the Indiana versus UCLA men's basketball game at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Social Media React to UCLA Basketball Season Opener

Originally posted on UCLA Bruins on SI
By Andrew L. Ferguson Jr | Last updated Nov 4, 2025 12:41 AM ET

The Bruins are at home to start the season against Eastern Washington , a team that is currently rebuilding after a 10-22 season last year. The Eagles came into this game hoping to keep it close against the highly favored Bruins, without Eric Dailey Jr., and they would do just that.

With the arrival of Donovan Dent, the buzz surrounding this Bruins roster was at an all-time high, which landed them the #12 spot in the country. The Bruins would go on to win, but many can agree that it was ugly; the final score was

Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

Social Media Reacts to First Half

The Bruins would concede the first basket of the game, but would go on a run to shut down any upset buzz.

After allowing EWU the first basket of the game, UCLA has since gone on a 7-0 run.
— Bruin Report Online (@BruinReport) November 4, 2025

The Bruins would slow down, earning criticism for the team. The Bruins are tied with Eastern Washington at the 12-minute mark of the game.

Terrible defense to start for UCLA, only a 1 point lead at the first TV timeout
— Ucla Fans (@ucla_fans) November 4, 2025

A stunning lack of effort in the first five minutes of this game from #UCLA.
— Bruin Report Online (@BruinReport) November 4, 2025

Eastern Washington really tied with UCLA. It’s early but ucla defense looks bleak
— Jordan Alexander (@jordanrulesTSP) November 4, 2025

Not a good start for this new look UCLA team. It has been no mystery that the play has been sloppy so far. UCLA is not living up to its ranking.

sooo uhhh UCLA yall gonna wake up?
— Kyren Williams Truther (@whose_house1) November 4, 2025

I’ve seen enough. UCLA is not the #12 team
— M0neyManPickz (@c_trevon50257) November 4, 2025

Is UCLA basketball really in a back and forth game as 30 point favorites against Eastern Washington?
— Joe (@JoeSportsGuru) November 4, 2025

Is this really happening right now? A Mick Cronin UCLA defense can’t get a stop against Eastern Washington?
— Joe (@JoeSportsGuru) November 4, 2025

Definitely not the start Bruins fans had in mind. UCLA has struggled to get anything going in this first half; midway through the first half, they are trailing.

Eastern Washington giving UCLA problems halfway through the first half.
— BIBI (@betitbankit) November 4, 2025

We're a tick more than midway through the first half and Eastern Washington leads No. 12 UCLA, 20-17.
— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) November 4, 2025

The highlight in this first half has been Donovan Dent, who has been able to keep UCLA in the game.

Donovan Dent bailing out an otherwise anemic offense with back-to-back driving layups. UCLA up 21-20.
— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) November 4, 2025

Donovan Dent is nasty asf
— Kyren Williams Truther (@whose_house1) November 4, 2025

Donovan Dent with a beauty reverse layup. Kid is looking the part in his UCLA debut as explosive with all the playmaking one could want!
— Will Decker (@WillLAFBnetwork) November 4, 2025

Donovan Dent is bringing real hoops back to UCLA
— Roni Capalot (@codyrodmanFox) November 4, 2025

The biggest factor for the Bruins' slow start has been their defense. It seems to be the biggest reason the Eagles are still in this game.

UCLA cannot be allowing this many straight line drives to Eastern Washington
— Aaron Heisen (@aaron_heisen) November 4, 2025

UCLA is very mixed up on defense. Mick Cronin is just waiting for halftime to talk with these boys.
— Go Joe Bruin (@GoJoeBruinUCLA) November 4, 2025

UCLA MBB’s defense looks lost. Although, you have to give it to EWU for taking it right to the Bruins.
— Mike Regalado (@MikeRegaladoLA) November 4, 2025

Social Media Reacts at Halftime

UCLA was able to hold on to its 40-33 lead at the half. This slow UCLA first half does not amuse Social Media.

UCLA??

(they're winning, but still)
— Sym (@symmering) November 4, 2025

disgusting half from UCLA

up 40-33 against Eastern Washington
— Barstool UCLA (@StoolWestwood) November 4, 2025

Lackluster first 20 minutes, would like to see UCLA crack up the temperature on the defensive end
— Ucla Fans (@ucla_fans) November 4, 2025

ucla is disappointing me, i expected better than this
— okc fake ass ring (@Rocky51368) November 4, 2025

#12 UCLA men’s basketball barely beating Easter Washington
— DUCKS VS ALL (@ducksVSall) November 4, 2025

Without a doubt, Donovan Dent has been the star of this game, giving UCLA a pulse in what has been a slow game.

Donovan Dent could genuinely go crazy and be a top 5 even 1st overall pick and shock everyone
— AbnerUribeEnthusiast (@Chouriochurro) November 4, 2025

Donovan Dent is ballingggg
— Eritrean Doll (@eritrean_doll) November 4, 2025

DONOVAN DENT! What a move under the bucket! @UCLAMBB pic.twitter.com/l028qqfZKC
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) November 4, 2025

Social Media Reacts to Second Half

The Bruins would start the second half hot, with an 18-6 run. It seems like UCLA is back off of fraud watch, with Dent leading the charge.

Donovan Dent with the no-look pass to Xavier Booker for a dunk. UCLA up 45-35 after Jamar Brown adds a three-pointer.
— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) November 4, 2025

UCLA finally getting some separation, up 52-38, after Tyler Bilodeau nails a three-pointer.
— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) November 4, 2025

Donovan Dent has the quickest first step I’ve seen from a PG at UCLA since Westbrook…kid can flat out play as he has 16 points with 7 dimes
— Will Decker (@WillLAFBnetwork) November 4, 2025

UCLA upping the pace on both ends now. Eastern Washington had this down to three late in the first half. Now early in the second half UCLA has it back up to 15.
— Go Joe Bruin (@GoJoeBruinUCLA) November 4, 2025

UCLA fans going to love Donovon Dent . Completely changes the team for the better. Excited !
— Dario Soto (@soto_dario) November 4, 2025

Update ; UCLA now pulling it away now https://t.co/Lq9OIOBlwn
— DUCKS VS ALL (@ducksVSall) November 4, 2025

UCLA's defense still need to find an answer for EWU offensive attack.

UCLA needs to figure out how to stop EWU from getting points in the paint. Both have 26 so far.
— Bruin Report Online (@BruinReport) November 4, 2025

UCLA is going to have a tough time against good centers this season if it doesn’t make major adjustments.
— Mike Regalado (@MikeRegaladoLA) November 4, 2025

UCLA’s offense has come alive, which is all well and good, but the defense needs to step up.
— Mike Regalado (@MikeRegaladoLA) November 4, 2025

The Bruins will win this game, but the performance wasn't enough for social media. Many believe the team is overrated.

Had UCLA as a top 4 big 10 team.

May have been very wrong on this team. Dont want to overreact but I truly don’t think EWU is very good and I don’t even think they’ll finish Top 5 in the big sky.
— Jordan Alexander (@jordanrulesTSP) November 4, 2025

Has #12 UCLA even went on a run during this game? lol
— M0neyManPickz (@c_trevon50257) November 4, 2025

This is the most overrated hoops team I have ever seen. UCLA sucks!
— Chad Jenkins (@ChadJenkin64761) November 4, 2025

The Bruins would win in a grudge match, not exactly the final score fans were hoping for.

No. 12 UCLA beats Eastern Washington, 80-74, but it wasn't impressive. Donovan Dent led the way with 21 points and nine assists and Tyler Bilodeau added 19 points. Bruins allowed the Huskies to shoot 53.7%.
— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) November 4, 2025

@latbbolch
Ucla plays like tonight, they will get waxed by 40 come next Friday at the Intuit dome
— ryan (@Lee713ruwin) November 4, 2025

UCLA is having trouble putting this game away. 8 point lead and struggling to get the ball in bounds. Credit to Eastern Washington for not letting this game get away when they went down 15.
— Go Joe Bruin (@GoJoeBruinUCLA) November 4, 2025

The Bruins next game will be at home against Pepperdine on 11/7 at 7:30 PM.

This article first appeared on UCLA Bruins on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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