Donovan Dent returns, helps UCLA win NCAA Tournament opener
By Ben Bolch
Published on March 21, 2026.
UCLA defeated UCF 75-71 in its NCAA Tournament opener in Philadelphia. Donovan Dent returned from a calf injury, while Tyler Bilodeau did not. The seventh-seeded Bruins managed to maintain a 35-27 lead. Despite a late flurry of playmaking, UCF managed to pull within three points with 10 seconds left. UCLA's Skyy Clark missed the first free throw and made the second, effectively securing the win. The team will now face the winner of a late game between UConn and 15th-seeding Furman.
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