Walking Through UCLA's Horrific Loss to Minnesota

1st Half

Feb 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA forward Tyler Bilodeau (34) runs back on defense after scoring a three-point basket during the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

UCLA and Minnesota went shot-for-shot early. Langston Reynolds made an impact with a layup while grabbing a few rebounds. The Bruins also had to account for Cade Tyson, who knocked down a jumper to take the lead. Still, UCLA remained within reach as the game sat tied 7-7 with 17:09 left.

Minnesota began to pull away midway through the half. Bobby Durkin hit a 3-pointer off a UCLA turnover, and Cade Tyson added a second-chance three. It was clear Minnesota was capitalizing on opportunities — something UCLA struggled to do. The Golden Gophers led 21-15 with 12:56 remaining.

The Bruins responded with a strong run to take the lead. Tyler Bilodeau heated up and, along with Skyy Clark, sparked the offense. Jamar Brown hit a 3-pointer to tie the game, followed by another Bilodeau three to give UCLA the lead. The Bruins went up 30-27 with 8:20 left.

Donovan Dent then took over, driving coast-to-coast for a layup to extend UCLA’s lead to seven. At that point, it seemed like the Bruins had taken control of the first half. UCLA led 38-31 with 4:58 remaining, though Minnesota had proven it would not go away easily.

First Half Score: 41-40 UCLA

Second Half

Feb 14, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Donovan Dent (2) dribbles against the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Bobby Durkin picked up right where he left off, opening the second half with a 3-pointer to give Minnesota the lead. Eric Dailey Jr. responded by tying the game, but Langston Reynolds continued his strong play, answering with a bucket of his own. UCLA held a narrow 48-45 lead with 17:51 remaining.

Minnesota refused to go away. Cade Tyson added a layup, followed by an Isaac Asuma dunk, highlighting the challenge UCLA faced against the Gophers’ three key players. Both had already reached double figures. UCLA clung to a 50-49 lead with 15:33 left.

Feb 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin with guard Eric Dailey Jr. (3) and UCLA forward Tyler Bilodeau (34) during the second half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Minnesota regained the lead after another Asuma basket, which came off a UCLA turnover. The Bruins began to lose control, struggling with execution. Tyler Bilodeau stepped up, scoring back-to-back baskets to tie the game at 59-59 with 10:20 remaining.

The Golden Gophers then built one of their largest leads of the night. A Cade Tyson driving layup shifted momentum, pushing Minnesota ahead by six. However, Eric Dailey Jr. knocked down a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to three. Minnesota led 67-64 with 6:15 left.

Feb 14, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Eric Dailey Jr. (3) dribbles against the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Tyson and Bilodeau traded baskets, but Reynolds remained a problem, hitting another jumper to extend the lead to six. Skyy Clark answered with a 3-pointer to cut it back to three, only for Durkin to respond and push the lead back to six. Minnesota led 73-70 with 2:07 remaining.

UCLA had one final opportunity. With 30 seconds left, Donovan Dent missed a 3-pointer that would have tied the game. From there, Minnesota sealed it. It was a tough outing for the Bruins, as the Gophers closed it out, 78-73, with 11 seconds remaining.

FINAL SCORE- 78-73 Minnesota

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