Nov 3, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Donovan Dent (2) shoots a three point basket during the first half against the Eastern Washington Eagles at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

UCLA Gets Early Reality Check as Dent Shines in Debut Win vs. EWU

Originally posted on UCLA Bruins on SI | By Connor Moreno | Last updated Nov 4, 2025 12:52 AM ET

It's probably best that a team of the UCLA Bruins' (1-0, 0-0 Big Ten) caliber gets this type of game out of the way early in the season. The Bruins' couldn't shake Eastern Washington off in their 80-74 to open the season despite a stellar debut from Donovan Dent.

The Bruins led by as much as 15 points in the second half as the offense struggled to get anything consistent going for the better part of both halves. The Big Sky's eagles continued their gritty effort and brought the game to within six points as the buzzer sounded.

Dent was as good as advertised in his debut, leading UCLA with 21 points, four rebounds and nine assists on 8-of-17 shooting. The transfer guard's first half is what kept EWU from assuming control over the game. Dent's play faltered in the second half, but just because other UCLA contributors started finding shots.

Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Tyler Bilodeau started slow but finished the game with 19 points and six rebounds on 8-of-16 shooting. Bilodeau's star frontcourt mate Eric Dailey Jr. was out, as he is still recovering from a knee injury.

Trent Perry was the only Bruin to score off the bench, contributing an impactful 11 points. Transfer center Xavier Booker added 14 points, seven rebounds and three assists on 6-of-7 from the field.

Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The Eagles kept the game close through a balanced effort. Six of EWU's players scored at least eight points in the game, led by Isaiah Moses with 15. Eastern Washington's defense bothered UCLA's offense all game, most notably when it opened the contest in a zone.

Despite the win, you wouldn't expect Mick Cronin to be proud with how the Bruins performed in this game. UCLA matches up with Pepperdine at home on Friday at 7 p.m. PT on Big Ten Network.

Team Statistics

Shooting:

UCLA: 33-70 (47.1%) FG, 8-26 (30.8%) 3PT, 6-10 (60.0%) FT
EWU: 29-54 (53.7%) FG, 7-25 (28.0%) 3PT, 9-14 (64.3%) FT

Rebounding:

UCLA: 23 defensive, 12 offensive, 35 total
EWU: 24 defensive, 6 offensive, 30 total

Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Assists:

UCLA: 19
EWU: 22

Defensive:

UCLA: 7 steals, 3 blocks
EWU: 5 steals, 2 blocks

Misc.:

UCLA: 8 turnovers (13 points off tov), 12 fast break points, 38 points in the paint, Largest lead: 15
EWU: 16 turnovers (11 points off tov), 6 fastbreak points, 38 points in the paint, Largest lead: 3

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

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