Tyler Bilodeau Gives Thoughts After Loss to Gonzaga

Here is what the Bruins' highest-scorer had to say about the loss

Nov 14, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Tyler Bilodeau (34) reacts to a play during the first half of the Hall of Fame Series game against the Arizona Wildcats at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Tyler Bilodeau had a very strong outing against No. 8 Gonzaga, scoring 24 points on 7-13 shooting. Here is what he had to say postgame.

Tyler Bilodeau delivered his best performance of the season against Gonzaga, but even that wasn’t enough to push the Bruins past the finish line. After the loss, Bilodeau reflected on what went wrong and what still lies ahead.

On the Team Playing "Smart"

Dec 6, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Tyler Bilodeau (34) boxes out Oregon Ducks center Nate Bittle (32) during the second half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

By far the biggest issue for UCLA in this one was their inability to not foul. The Bruins racked up 32 fouls throughout the game, Bilodeau blames discipline and the teams reluctance to follow the game plan. He also reflected on his mistakes during the game.

I mean, I think we've got to do a better job listening. Like I said earlier, scouting report and then two, just not making dumb fouls. I had a dumb one at the end of the half, but stuff like that. Just got to minimize those mistakes.

Tyler Bilodeau on costly mistakes

Bilodeau on Graham Ike and Braden Huff

Dec 7, 2025; Spokane, Washington, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Graham Ike points to a fan before a game against the North Florida Ospreys at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images | James Snook-Imagn Images

One of the biggest issues heading into this game was how the Bruins would manage to deal with Graham Ike and Braden Huff. During the game, Ike scored 25 points and was able to grab five rebounds. On the other hand, Huff scored 21 with four rebounds himself.

Bilodeau believed the Bruins’ defensive struggles were the biggest reason the duo was able to be so effective. After the loss, he explained how UCLA’s inability to contain them ultimately decided the game.

Yeah, I mean, they're both really good. We let them get to their strong hand, their left hand, and they were able to capitalize on that, so we've got to be better there.

Bilodeau on Ike and Huff

Bilodeau's Expectation of the Game

Dec 13, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Tyler Bilodeau (34) passes the ball while guarded by Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Graham Ike (15) during the second half at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Heading into this game everyone knew that this game was going to be very competitive. And it was. The Bruins just could not figure out how to put the Bulldogs away. Tyler Bilodeau knew what this game was going to come down too, and the Bruins just could not get it done.

I mean, yeah, we knew it was going to be a game of runs. You know, every tough game is going to be like that. So we just got to stay together and, you know, keep keeping our confidence and keep fighting.

Tyler Bilodeau

Dec 13, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Jalen Warley (8) defends UCLA Bruins forward Tyler Bilodeau (34) during the first half at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

This loss stings for Bilodeau, especially given the effort he put forth. The hope is that a game like this serves as a turning point — a hard lesson for the Bruins before they reach the most demanding stretch of their schedule.

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