For the second game in a row, the UCLA Bruins saw a star player leave with an injury. Donovan Dent went down in the first half and did not return in the 73-66 loss to Purdue in the Big Ten Conference tournament semifinals.
Overall, UCLA will have a lot to be proud of for their showing in the Big Ten tournament. The Bruins couldn’t build a comeback against No. 18 Purdue without their two best players. For the season, Dent and Tyler Bilodeau have combined for over 31 points per game and UCLA couldn’t make up for their absence.
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Both Dent, who is reported to have a tweak in his lower leg, and Bilodeau missing Saturday’s game with a mild right knee sprain, are expected to be healthy for the NCAA tournament next week. Without the two UCLA stars, Trent Perry led the team with 15 points.
After scoring zero points in the quarterfinals against Michigan State, Xavier Booker bounced back with 12 points in 27 minutes but only brought down one rebound. Skyy Clark scored 10 points on 4-11 shooting but did manage to rack up four steals.
UCLA was once again out-rebounded, with Purdue holding a 37-26 advantage on the glass. Freshman Eric Freeny was crashing the boards for the Bruins, bringing down five rebounds total, and three of UCLA’s nine offensive rebounds.
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Needless to say, this game would have felt different with Dent and Bilodeau in action for the Bruins. Without the star seniors, UCLA didn’t have the firepower to hold off the Boilermakers. UCLA will be heading into Selection Sunday with plenty of confidence after a strong showing in the conference tournament.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Purdue bounces UCLA from Big Ten tournament, Donovan Dent leaves hurt
