After a commanding 81-62 victory over USC, UCLA's Donovan Dent and Trent Perry shared their insights on the team's chemistry, their timely peak in performance, and Dent's remarkable 30-point game.
Breaking Down the Performance
Donovan Dent was on fire, and he knew it. "I'm having a blast," he said, explaining how USC's defense left him wide open for three-pointers. "They were just giving them to me," he added, taking full advantage of the opportunities.
Team Dynamics and Mindset
When asked about any sense of rivalry with USC's Chad, Dent dismissed the idea of a personal duel. "If I'm having a great night, and he's having a great night, it's fine," he said, emphasizing the strength and support of his teammates.
Trent Perry chimed in on Dent's recent performances, expressing pride in his teammate's ability to find him on the court. "Today, it was his night," Perry noted, highlighting his own focus on defense while Dent took charge offensively.
The Thrill of Rivalry Games
For Dent, playing in front of an energetic home crowd is what college basketball is all about. "The students are in here an hour before the game, giving us energy," he said, looking forward to maintaining that atmosphere in upcoming games.
Personal Growth and Team Unity
Reflecting on his journey this season, Dent acknowledged early struggles but is hopeful about his current momentum. "I'm hoping this groove continues," he said, recognizing the impact it could have on both his performance and the team's success.
Describing the feeling of playing at such a high level, Dent expressed a sense of pride in his hard work. "It's what you work out for, it's what you practice for," he said, driven to keep this momentum going.
Perry also spoke on the team's resilience through tough times, noting how adversity has strengthened their bond. "You could either fold, or you could push through it and come out stronger," he said, crediting their coach for motivating them to stay united.
The camaraderie between Perry and Dent is evident, with Perry appreciating the open communication and support they share with their coach, Cronin. "It's something that a player dreams of," he said, valuing the relationship that allows them to grow both on and off the court.
As UCLA gears up for more challenging games ahead, the team's unity and individual performances will be key to their continued success.