They’re back at full strength. The chemistry is clicking. And the UCLA Bruins are rolling like never before. What was expected to be a nail-biting showdown turned into a full-blown statement. The Bruins didn’t just win—they dominated, crushing No. 16 Oregon with a commanding 78-52 victory in front of a roaring Pauley Pavilion crowd.
The energy in the arena was electric. Fans were on their feet when Aday Mara, UCLA’s towering Spanish 7-footer, launched a court-length outlet pass straight out of a Bill Walton highlight reel. The ball landed in the hands of Eric Dailey Jr., who threw down a thunderous one-handed dunk that sent shockwaves through the crowd. At that moment, the Bruins led by 27, and it was clear—this team was no longer the lifeless squad from just two and a half weeks ago.
A Winning Streak That Changes Everything
With this victory, the Bruins (16-6 overall, 7-4 Big Ten) have now rattled off five straight wins. More impressively, they remain undefeated against their old Pac-12 foes, including a big nonconference win over Arizona. Momentum is real, and this team has found its stride at just the right time.
A major reason for their success? Eric Dailey Jr. The Oklahoma State transfer was virtually unstoppable, torching Oregon with 21 points on an absurd 8-for-9 shooting night. He drilled all three of his three-pointers, sank both free throws, and made it all look effortless. UCLA head coach Mick Cronin had nothing but praise for his work ethic.
“Eric Dailey spends more time in the gym on his shooting than anyone,” Cronin said. “He’s the most dedicated guy I’ve ever coached when it comes to his diet, his rest, and his commitment to what he’s trying to accomplish in basketball. It’s paying off.”
And that dedication is showing. Dailey is shooting 54.2% from the field this season, second only to William Kyle III (71.4%) and Mara (62.5%), who take far fewer shots. The secret? A subtle adjustment recommended by Cronin—keeping his head still and putting more arc on his shot.
Bilodeau’s Return and Andrews’ Resilience
Tyler Bilodeau’s return from injury added another boost for the Bruins. The forward, who had missed most of the last two games with a sprained ankle, wasted no time making an impact. Just 13 seconds into the game, he knocked down a three-pointer, setting the tone for UCLA’s fast start. He finished with 15 points, proving he’s back and ready to contribute at a high level.
Meanwhile, Dylan Andrews, the floor general, put any concerns about his recent cramping issues to rest. After struggling late against USC, he bounced back in a big way, scoring 15 points without showing any signs of fatigue. His presence was steady, his leadership was sharp, and he kept UCLA’s offense running smoothly all night long.
Lockdown Defense and Oregon’s Frustration
Oregon came out swinging in the second half, determined to chip away at the 17-point deficit. The Ducks made a brief push, cutting the lead to 10 after TJ Bamba’s aggressive drive to the hoop. But just as quickly as their hopes rose, they were crushed.
Mara made sure of it.
The 7-footer swatted away a layup attempt by Bamba, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Moments later, Kobe Johnson stripped the ball in the backcourt, forcing Oregon’s coach Dana Altman to slump over in frustration. Johnson then found Mara for an easy dunk, igniting a 12-4 UCLA run that effectively ended any chance of a Ducks comeback.
And the defense didn’t stop there. Oregon’s second-leading scorer, Jackson Shelstad, was held completely in check. Thanks to relentless pressure from Skyy Clark and others, Shelstad took just two shots all game and finished with zero points. The Ducks, who normally pride themselves on offensive efficiency, were limited to just 41.2% shooting while UCLA sizzled at 55.6%.
Mara’s Breakout Performance
Mara continues to grow into his role as a fan favorite, and Thursday night was no exception. He put up seven points, three blocks, three rebounds, and three assists in just 20 minutes of action, but his impact stretched far beyond the box score.
In one particularly dominant stretch, he spun around Oregon’s Supreme Cook for a powerful dunk. Moments later, Cook tried to muscle Mara out of the way for a rebound—only to get whistled for a foul. The big man was simply too much to handle.
“Just shows Aday’s IQ right there,” Dailey said, reflecting on the highlight-reel outlet pass. “Being able to see the floor like that, that’s special.”
UCLA’s defense was at its best in the first half, holding Oregon scoreless for more than five and a half minutes. By the time the Bruins took a 40-26 lead into halftime, the Ducks looked completely out of sync. One of the biggest plays of the night came just before the break, when Mara swatted a shot from Brandon Angel, sparking a fast break that ended in a Johnson layup. Pauley Pavilion erupted.
A Team on the Rise
The Bruins’ confidence is sky-high, and rightfully so. They’re getting big performances from their key players, finding the right lineup combinations, and playing some of their best basketball of the season. The crowd of 9,288 didn’t even wait for the final buzzer—many left early, knowing the game was already in hand.
As the reserves checked in, Trent Perry provided the final exclamation point, lobbing a perfect alley-oop to William Kyle III for one last highlight-reel dunk. The night belonged to UCLA, and it felt like a defining moment for a team peaking at the right time.
“We’re getting better,” Dailey said. “And I think we’re going to peak at the right time.”
With the way things are trending, nobody should be surprised if the Bruins make a deep run in March.
Login