UCLA improved to 14-6 on the season Saturday night with a 71-64 win over Northwestern, a game that saw the Bruins control much of the action before things got a little too close for comfort down the stretch. While it wasn’t the cleanest finish, the Bruins did enough to secure the win - and at this point in the season, stacking victories matters just as much as style points.
Let’s be honest: UCLA had this one in hand for most of the night. They built a double-digit lead and looked like they might cruise to the finish line.
But Northwestern didn’t go quietly, cutting the lead to two possessions late in the second half. It was a reminder that while the Bruins are trending in the right direction, they still have to figure out how to close out games with more authority.
Still, there were plenty of positives to take away - starting with the defense. For the second straight game, UCLA brought the kind of defensive intensity that can travel in March.
After a strong showing against Purdue, the Bruins followed it up by holding Northwestern to just 38% shooting from the field and 7-of-23 from beyond the arc. That’s the kind of effort that wins games when the offense isn’t firing on all cylinders.
The team’s commitment on the defensive end is starting to show up in the numbers. UCLA is now allowing just 69.3 points per game - good for 73rd nationally - and that number keeps improving.
The rotations look sharper, the communication is better, and most importantly, the buy-in is there across the board. This group is starting to gel, and it’s showing up in the little things.
Offensively, the Bruins shot 49% from the field and once again leaned on their starters to carry the load. Tyler Bilodeau was locked in, finishing with 18 points and a perfect 7-for-7 shooting night.
The junior forward continues to be UCLA’s most reliable scorer, and his efficiency was on full display. Donovan Dent added 13 points and five assists, marking his second straight strong performance.
His ability to create off the dribble and finish at the rim has added a much-needed spark to the backcourt.
And then there’s Trent Perry - who’s making the most of his expanded role with Skyy Clark sidelined. Perry matched Bilodeau with 18 points and is now averaging 16 per game since stepping into the starting lineup. His poise and scoring punch have been critical during Clark’s absence, and with Clark expected to return soon, UCLA may suddenly find itself with some real depth at the guard spot.
That depth, though, remains a question mark. Outside of Jamar Brown’s six points, the Bruins didn’t get much from their bench.
If they’re going to make a serious run in the Big Ten and beyond, they’ll need more production from the second unit. The return of Clark should help, especially if it allows Perry to slide back into a sixth-man role where he could thrive against opposing benches.
UCLA also controlled the paint and won the rebounding battle - two areas they’ve made a concerted effort to improve. That physicality inside is starting to become a calling card for this team, and it’s giving them a foundation to build on as they hit the heart of conference play.
Next up: a trip to Oregon on Wednesday, where the Bruins will look to push their win streak to three games. If they can tighten up their late-game execution and keep this defensive momentum rolling, UCLA might be finding its identity at just the right time.