LOS ANGELES — Eric Dailey Jr. delivered an impressive performance with 21 points, shooting 8 for 9 from the field, leading UCLA to a dominant 78-52 victory over No. 16 Oregon on Thursday night. This win marked the Bruins’ fifth consecutive victory and significantly boosted their season momentum.
With this triumph, UCLA has successfully secured four wins against ranked opponents this season, including a notable sweep over Oregon, a team they have historically performed well against during their tenure in the Pac-12 conference.
In addition to Dailey’s standout performance, Dylan Andrews and Tyler Bilodeau contributed significantly with 15 points each, helping the Bruins improve their record to 16-6 overall and 7-4 in the Big Ten.
Nate Bittle emerged as the leading scorer for the Ducks with 13 points, while Keeshawn Barthelemy added 12 and TJ Bamba chipped in with 11 points. Unfortunately for Oregon, this defeat marked their second consecutive loss, dropping them to 16-5 and 5-5 in their conference standings.
**Game Insights**
For Oregon, despite a challenging first half where they trailed by 14 points, they made strides in the second half, improving their shooting percentage to 50%. However, the Ducks struggled with long-range shooting, making only 4 of 23 attempts from beyond the arc, and missed seven of their last eight shots in the second half.
On the other hand, UCLA welcomed the return of Bilodeau, who had previously missed Monday’s matchup against crosstown rival USC due to a right ankle injury. He played a pivotal role in the game, tallying six rebounds and four assists, contributing to UCLA’s impressive home record of 9-1 for the season.
**Turning Point**
The Ducks managed to cut the deficit to 10 points early in the second half, but the Bruins quickly responded, launching a devastating 22-4 run that pushed their lead to 72-44. During this critical stretch, Dailey scored 10 points, which included a three-pointer and a fastbreak dunk, while Andrews contributed 5 points.
**Key Statistics**
UCLA showcased its shooting prowess, connecting on 11 of 23 three-point attempts. Dailey was perfect from downtown, hitting all three of his attempts, with Andrews and Bilodeau also sinking three 3-pointers each.
**Looking Ahead**
Oregon is set to host Nebraska this coming Sunday, while UCLA will prepare for a matchup against No. 7 Michigan State on Tuesday.
The Bruins’ dominant performance on Thursday night further solidifies their position as one of the stronger teams in college basketball this season. The victory not only boosts their confidence but also sets the stage for exciting upcoming games.
