3 Bruins Who Need to Step Up Against Wisconsin

Here are three Bruins who can turn the tide against Wisconsin

Jan 3, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Tyler Bilodeau (34) is defended by Iowa Hawkeyes forward Cooper Koch (8) during the first half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

UCLA really needs to see their starters start to perform, here are three Bruins who need to the most.

After dropping a terrible game to No. 25 Iowa, the Bruins now set their sights on a decent Wisconsin team, which is entering this matchup as a three-point favorite. The Bruins are not used to being underdogs this season, meaning it will take a few exceptional efforts from the Bruins in this one

Skyy Clark | G

Jan 3, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Skyy Clark (55) controls the ball against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Skyy Clark had a really tough game and exposed a massive weakness in the Bruins' scoring. Prior to this game, the Bruins were scoring over 90 points a game, great considering how stale their offense had been to this point.

However, Clark's inefficiencies really proved how much UCLA relies on shooting to win games. Iowa did a great job of covering that up, which in turn made it harder to UCLA to dig themselves out of the hole they dug in the first half.

Donovan Dent | G

Dec 19, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Donovan Dent (2) drives past UCLA Bruins guard Christian Horry (7) during the first half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Donovan Dent really shone against Iowa, scoring 25 points on 12/19 shooting, something we need to see more of. After both Bilodeau and Clark struggled to get anything going on the perimeter, it was imperative that Dent stepped up, and he did.

The lack of shooting really exposed a weakness in the Bruins, it can be assumed Wisconsin will try and replicate what Iowa brought out, meaning Dent should have ample oppurtunites to score in the paint. UCLA winning this one really hinges on how well Dent can attack the basket.

Eric Dailey Jr | F

Dec 17, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Eric Dailey Jr. (3) is defended by Arizona State Sun Devils forward Marcus Adams Jr. (8) in the first half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Eric Dailey Jr has not been the player we thought we were getting in the offseason. This season Dailey Jr is averaging 10.1 points, and leads the team in rebounding with 5.5. Although his stats look ok, he was absent against Iowa with just four points in 30 minutes.

If Dailey Jr is able to control the paint alongside Dent, the Bruins could be sitting fairly good. However, we know that this has been far from a given this season, so if he can't UCLA will need to find other sources on offense to get the job done.

Dec 23, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin reacts on the sidelines in the second half against the UC Riverside Highlanders at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

This game will really prove if UCLA is able to bounce-back after that loss to Iowa. If UCLA can muster a tough conference road win they will be on the right track to completely turn this season around. But for now these Bruins need to have a good game.

Ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @UCLAInsideronSI to keep up with every story surrounding UCLA athletics! Please let us know your thoughts on this when you like our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.

Never again miss one major story related to your beloved Bruins when you sign up for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes straight to your email with the latest news. SIGN UP HERE NOW