UCLA Holds Off Washington 77-73 Behind Trent Perry's 23 Points

UCLA's Trent Perry stole the show at Pauley Pavilion, scoring 23 points to lead the Bruins to a 77-73 win over Washington. The highly anticipated matchup between the two Pac-12 foes lived up to its billing, with both teams trading blows throughout the contest. Washington's Wesley Yates III gave the Huskies a fighting chance, pouring in 21 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of the Bruins.

At halftime, Washington held a slim 34-30 lead, courtesy of a strong first-half performance from Yates III. However, UCLA regrouped and came out firing in the second half, with Perry and Tyler Bilodeau combining for 26 points to propel the Bruins to a 47-point period. The Huskies refused to back down, with Quimari Peterson and Hannes Steinbach making key plays to keep their team within striking distance. Despite a late surge, Washington ultimately fell short, as UCLA's Donovan Dent sealed the win with 10 assists and 17 points.

CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had UCLA winning by 11.7 points, but the actual margin of victory was a much narrower four points. Although the predicted score of 81-69 was not realized, the scout's forecast of a Bruins win proved correct. The close contest was a reflection of the competitive nature of the Pac-12, where any team can challenge on a given night.

This victory marks a crucial Q2 win for UCLA, which should bolster their tournament resume. The Bruins' current net ranking of 41 will likely receive a boost from this result, as they continue to navigate the treacherous Pac-12 landscape. On the other hand, Washington's Q1 loss will not significantly harm their chances, but it does highlight the need for the Huskies to secure more signature wins to strengthen their own tournament case.

As the season enters its final stretch, UCLA's win over Washington serves as a reminder of the team's potential. With Perry, Bilodeau, and Dent forming a formidable core, the Bruins are well-equipped to make a deep run in the conference tournament. For Washington, the loss underscores the importance of capitalizing on opportunities against top-tier opponents. Despite the setback, the Huskies remain in the hunt for a postseason berth, and their performance against UCLA demonstrates that they have the talent to compete with anyone in the Pac-12.

The outcome of this game has real consequences for both teams' tournament chances. UCLA's Q2 win strengthens their position, while Washington's Q1 loss keeps them on the bubble. As the bracket picture continues to take shape, both teams want to build on this result and make a push for a coveted tournament spot.