From start to finish, Pauley Pavilion was on its feet.
What started as a defensive battle turned into a double overtime game that had students and fans roaring through every possession. UCLA held off Indiana for as long as they could, but the Hoosiers got the win, 98-97, at the free throw line with 0.3 seconds remaining.
On Saturday afternoon, UCLA Bruins men’s basketball (15-7, 7-4 Big Ten) hosted the Indiana Hoosiers (15-7, 6-5 Big Ten) at Pauley Pavilion. The Bruins controlled the game early, leading for most of the first half. Their defense prevented Indiana from scoring for over three minutes midway through the half.
The Bruins were able to build an early advantage with points from sophomore guard Trent Perry and senior guard Donovan Dent. UCLA shot efficiently early in the game, with senior forward Tyler Bilodeau contributing seven rebounds in the first half.
Despite Indiana’s effort to catch up, UCLA led 36-30 at halftime. Perry led the Bruins’ offense after the first half with 11 points, while Bilodeau helped limit Indiana’s second chance opportunities.
Coming out of halftime, Indiana quickly closed the gap with aggressive drives and multiple three pointers. The Hoosiers tied the game 40-40 after back-to-back threes from Nick Dorn. The lead changed repeatedly over the next several minutes as both teams traded baskets.
Indiana built its largest lead of the game late in the second half, going up by 10 after a three pointer with less than five minutes left. However, UCLA answered quickly, with Bilodeau shooting free throws. Junior forward Eric Dailey Jr. scored a layup to close the gap to two in the final minute.
After Indiana made both free throws to extend its lead, Perry went to the line and made both of his free throws as well to close the gap. With two seconds left, Perry hit a buzzer-beater to tie the game at 76-76 and force overtime.
Perry continued to lead the Bruins in overtime, scoring 22 points by the end of the first extra period. UCLA briefly took control with free throws and a layup from Dent, but Indiana answered once again, tying the game at 84-84 and forcing double overtime.
Both teams continued to exchange points for most of the second overtime period, with neither able to build more than a one point lead. Perry scored a three pointer to give UCLA a small advantage, but Indiana answered with a free throw and a basket to reclaim the lead.
With the score tied at 97-97 and less than a second left, Indiana went to the free throw line and made one of two attempts, but that was enough to secure the win against the Bruins and leave Pauley Pavilion in shock. Perry finished with 25 points, while Dent contributed 24.
UCLA head coach Mick Cronin started off by stating that the Bruins’ “defense was awful all night, we deserve to lose.” He was visibly upset after the loss and repeatedly said that the Bruins’ defense was not there, even after going over the play five times. Perry, however, was proud of himself and his teammates, saying, “I’m proud of my team for how we fought.”
Next, UCLA will play Rutgers at home at Pauley Pavilion on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 6:30 p.m. PST.
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Featured Image via UCLA Athletics
