Dent explodes for 30 as UCLA beats USC 81-62 in crosstown showdown
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Donovan Dent scored 19 of his season-best 30 points in the first half, and UCLA defeated Southern California 81-62 Tuesday night in a matchup of crosstown rivals trying to stay off the NCAA Tournament bubble.
Dent was the Bruins’ hero for the second straight game. The senior guard ran the length of the court in 4.9 seconds and scored at the buzzer in a 95-94 overtime win against No. 10 Illinois last weekend. The Bruins (19-9, 11-6) rallied from a 23-point deficit in the first half to earn their second win against a Top-10 team this season.
Announcement
Dent is the first Bruin to score 30 points against the Trojans since Aaron Holiday scored 34 on March 3, 2018, in an 83-72 victory.
This time, Dent made a career-high five 3-pointers after making none in his previous four games. Two of them hit the shot clock as the Bruins improved to 16-1 at a sold-out Pauley Pavilion. He also had seven assists and no turnovers in 37 minutes.
It was a dear loss for the Trojans (18-10, 7-10), who have lost four in a row. They were led by Chad Baker-Mazara with 25 points. He tied his season high with five 3-pointers.
USC’s NCAA Tournament hopes had already taken a blow with a 71-70 home loss to Oregon, second-to-last in the Big Ten. At least the Trojans are assured of making the league tournament, which allows all 18 teams to participate after previously limiting it to 15.
Announcement
The Trojans closed at -6 thanks to Baker-Mazara’s three-point play midway through the second half. From there, the Bruins outscored the Trojans 26-13 to close out the game.
The Bruins led 38-29 at halftime. Dent scored 19 points in 18 minutes, making 6 of 9 field goals and all four of his 3-pointers.
Next
USC: Hosts No. 12 Nebraska on Saturday.
UCLA: Visits Minnesota on Saturday.
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