Donovan Dent shines with a Tyus Edney style performance, leading UCLA to a win

UCLA’s Comeback Heroics Against Illinois

With just 4.9 seconds remaining in overtime and the team holding a slim one-point lead, UCLA turned to Tyus Edney for inspiration.

This all unfolded when Donovan Dent, who had struggled throughout the game, made a remarkable play that may have salvaged the Bruins’ season. Despite missing ten shots, including a critical one in regulation, Dent showcased his talent against No. 10 Illinois, contributing to the largest comeback in UCLA’s history.

Dent’s breathtaking layup at the buzzer capped off a thrilling comeback from a 23-point deficit, reminiscent of Edney’s legendary play during the 1995 NCAA Tournament.

As UCLA coach Mick Cronin entered the media room following the game, he asked about Coach Jim Harrick and Theis, reflecting on the significance of the moment after their narrow 95-94 victory.

The final play unfolded just as Cronin had planned during a timeout, drawing on his experience watching Dent play in New Mexico. “In that situation, it’s fantastic that he’s soaring toward the rim,” he noted.

Dent received the inbounds pass in the backcourt, dribbled a couple of times, then utilized a screen from Tyler Bilodeau at midcourt. He maneuvered his way towards the basket, dodging defenders and faced 7-foot-2 center Zvonimir Ivicic at the rim.

“I jumped in ahead of him,” recalled Dent, who ended the night with an impressive 14 points, 15 assists, and zero turnovers. “Once he was in the air, I took the chance and scored the layup.”

With exuberance, Dent celebrated as his teammates gathered around him, and fans rushed the court in jubilation.

However, the game wasn’t quite finished yet. Officials needed to review the play, but the crowd erupted in cheers as the video replay confirmed Dent had indeed scored before the buzzer.

In a situation that echoed Edney’s historic moment 4.8 seconds away from victory against Missouri State, Dent’s layup was a crucial play, similar in pressure but with a slight timing difference.

The Bruins (18-9, 10-6 Big Ten) now hope that Dent’s last-minute heroics could signal the start of something significant for a team looking to improve.

Interestingly, Dent himself was unaware of the comparison to Edney until after the game when he received commentary from a radio announcer. “I’d never seen that play, but they said it was quite alike, which is amusing,” he admitted.

This moment represented redemption not just for the team, but also for Cronin, who faced criticism for past decisions amid a disappointing stretch of losses to Michigan and Michigan State.

It was a welcome turning point for a UCLA squad that seemed to struggle early in the game, falling behind 33-10 against the Fighting Illini (22-6, 13-4).

For Dent, this game marked a significant personal victory. He had experienced criticism for his performances since transitioning to the Big Ten, but managed to rise to the occasion when it truly mattered. Earlier in the game, his missed 3-pointer almost cost the team, but by the end, it was clear he had redeemed himself.

Dent mentioned feeling supported by Cronin after a previous loss against Ohio State, using it as motivation. “I want to play well every game,” he reflected, recognizing a need to improve despite his shining moment. “I still missed ten shots I should have made, but I’ll keep pushing forward.”