Three Players Crucial to UCLA's Battle vs Arizona

The No. 15 Bruins need everyone to step up against the fifth-ranked Wildcats, but these few will be crucial.

Nov 3, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Donovan Dent (2) dribbles the ball against Eastern Washington Eagles guard Johnny Radford (21) during the second half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

It's time for the No. 15 UCLA Bruins (3-0, 0-0 Big Ten) as they take on the No. 5 Arizona Wildcats (3-0, 0-0 Big 12) in a Hall of Fame Series Clash in the Intuit Dome on Friday night.

The Bruins are coming off three pretty underwhelming wins against middling teams like Eastern Washington, Pepperdine and West Georgia with the hopes of finally putting it all together and reaching the ceiling it's had all season.

The Wildcats already have a statement win on the year, opening the season defeating No. 3 Florida. Friday's matchup will likely be one of UCLA's toughest opponents all season if Arizona is as good all year as it has been early this season.

With that being said, it's all hands on deck, and every contributor is going to have to step up for UCLA. But let's go through the three that must have the most impact against Arizona.

1. Donovan Dent, PG

Nov 7, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Donovan Dent (2) looks on during the first half against the Pepperdine Waves at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

This one is a given. Dent is the sole reason UCLA's ceiling is so high this year.

The star transfer point guard was precautionarily held out of last game with a muscle strain, but coach Mick Cronin said he'll be good to go against Arizona.

Dent is the table setter for UCLA's offense and and brings a steady, competitive presence on defense. Against Arizona's staunch frontcourt, Dent will be integral in assuring the Bruins' offense is potent all game.

2. Xavier Booker, C

Nov 7, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins center Xavier Booker (1) runs to the court prior to the game against the Pepperdine Waves at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Booker was UCLA's second-biggest transfer acquisition but has been equally as important to the Bruins' success early this season.

His paint presence is what he's known for, posting five blocks against Pepperdine, but it has been his offense, more specifically his paint scoring, that has stood out the most.

Cronin praised Booker's post scoring ability early this season an stated that getting him a post touch almost guarantees UCLA a bucket. Arizona's backcourt is just as good as its frontcourt, and Booker will be a huge piece in the Bruins' effort to compete on both sides of the ball.

3. Tyler Bilodeau, PF

Nov 7, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Tyler Bilodeau (34) reacts after scoring a goal during the first half against the Pepperdine Waves at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

If Dent is the crafty, offensive engine and Booker is the Bruins' last line of defense, then Bilodeau is the bridge that brings it all together.

The veteran forward had a great 17-point outing against these Wildcats in UCLA's 57-54 win in Phoenix last season, and his scoring prowess and defensive identity are going to be even more integral this year.

With or without Dent, Bilodeau has remained UCLA's most consistent player. He is averaging 16.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game on 51.4% from the field.

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