The UCLA men’s basketball team lost to Purdue, 73-66, in the Big Ten Tournament semifinal at the United Center on March 14. The Bruins, seeded sixth, trailed at halftime but managed to tie the game twice in the final minutes before Purdue secured the win with a late run.
This result is significant as it ends UCLA’s run in the conference tournament and sets up their next appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Despite missing key players due to injury, UCLA showed resilience against a higher-seeded opponent.
Four Bruins scored in double figures: Trent Perry led with 15 points and nine rebounds; Xavier Booker added 12 points; Eric Dailey Jr. contributed a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds; and Skyy Clark had 10 points along with four steals. For Purdue, Oscar Cluff posted a standout performance with 17 points and 14 rebounds, while Fletcher Loyer scored 14 points including four three-pointers.
UCLA played without senior Tyler Bilodeau due to a right knee issue, and Donovan Dent left early after sustaining a calf strain. Both absences were precautionary, and both players are expected back for the NCAA Tournament next week. “Extremely proud of my team, down two great players, but we’ve got other great players,” said Mick Cronin, The Michael Price Family UCLA Men’s Head Basketball Coach. “They came up with a valiant, valiant effort today – couldn’t be more proud of them. Obviously, Trent played 40 and Eric plays 34. We came back, took a lead. Honestly, what went through the back of my head was how are we going to play tomorrow? We’re running out of bodies. Before you ask, Donny has got a calf strain. They were going to talk to me at halftime. I said no need to play. Next week’s more important. Guys stepped up on our team. Valiant, valiant effort by some kids that hadn’t played a lot – Brandon Williams, Steve Jamerson, Eric Freeny.”
The Bruins fought back from a double-digit deficit in the second half but could not overcome Purdue’s late surge led by Cluff and C.J. Cox.
UCLA had advanced to this stage after wins over Rutgers and Michigan State earlier in the tournament. The team will now await its seeding for the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
