UCLA basketball's winning formula could carry the team well into March

Starting three guards and going back to Tyler Bilodeau as the primary center appears to have unlocked the full potential of the Bruins' offense.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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After a rough stretch, UCLA's basketball team has turned things around, sparked by the strong play of point guard Donovan Dent. The Bruins have found success with a three-guard lineup and the return of Tyler Bilodeau as the primary center, unlocking their full offensive potential. UCLA has gone from the fringes of the NCAA tournament to a team capable of a deep postseason run.

Why it matters

UCLA's turnaround comes at a crucial time, as the team looks to solidify its spot in the NCAA tournament and make a deep run in March Madness. The Bruins' new lineup and Dent's standout performances have transformed the team and given them momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.

The details

UCLA has found success by starting three guards - Donovan Dent, Skyy Clark, and Trent Perry - and bringing back Tyler Bilodeau as the primary center. This lineup change has unlocked the team's full offensive potential, with Dent leading the way. Dent has put together an impressive two-game stretch, recording 40+ points, 20+ assists, and zero turnovers. The Bruins' offense has been humming, with multiple players capable of big nights to offset any individual struggles.

  • On February 24, UCLA defeated their rival USC 81-62 at Pauley Pavilion.
  • In their previous game, Dent tallied 14 points, 15 assists, and no turnovers, including a game-winning layup at the buzzer against Illinois.

The players

Donovan Dent

UCLA's point guard who has led the team's turnaround with his standout performances, including a two-game stretch of 40+ points, 20+ assists, and zero turnovers.

Mick Cronin

UCLA's head coach who has helped guide the team back on track after a rough stretch, including making adjustments to the starting lineup.

Tyler Bilodeau

UCLA's center who has returned to the starting lineup and helped unlock the team's full offensive potential.

Trent Perry

UCLA guard who has emerged as a reliable scoring option, giving the team another threat alongside Dent.

Eric Dailey Jr.

UCLA forward who had a one-point performance against USC, but the team was able to overcome his struggles thanks to the balanced scoring attack.

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What they’re saying

“I'm having a blast”

— Donovan Dent, point guard (nypost.com)

“Nobody is going anywhere in March without their best players playing well.”

— Mick Cronin, head coach (nypost.com)

“I would tell you out of the guys that are starting, it can't just be Tyler Bilodeau and pray for rain.”

— Mick Cronin, head coach (nypost.com)

“As I tell people, you can't be great at everything and we're surely not. When we share the ball, we're a very, very high-level offensive team.”

— Mick Cronin, head coach (nypost.com)

“How I look at adversity, you could go one or two ways. You could either fold, or you could push through it and come out stronger. And I feel like right now, we've kind of grown closer as a team. Have a great bond right now, and coach is also motivating us.”

— Trent Perry, guard (nypost.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.