LOS ANGELES — The No. 19 UCLA Bruins sent a clear message Friday night at Pauley Pavilion, dismantling the Presbyterian Blue Hose 86-46 in a game that showcased the Bruins’ offensive depth, defensive intensity, and a renewed sense of urgency after last week’s stumble.
Skyy Clark Ignites Bruins’ Best Shooting Night in Years
From the opening tip,
UCLA (5-1) looked like a team on a mission.
Skyy Clark led the charge, pouring in a season-high 22 points on a blistering 9-of-11 shooting, including a perfect 3-for-3 start that set the tone for the night. Clark’s relentless drives and smooth finishes left Presbyterian defenders scrambling, and his performance marked his best in a UCLA uniform.
The Bruins as a whole were nearly unstoppable, shooting
62.7% from the field—their highest single-game mark in seven seasons under coach Mick Cronin. “It’s amazing how guys play better when they have the right attitude and the right approach to the game,” Cronin said postgame, praising his team’s energy and focus.
Defensive Dominance and Balanced Attack
UCLA’s defense was just as impressive. The Bruins forced 17 turnovers, racked up nine steals, and held
Presbyterian (3-5) to just
33.3% shooting. The Blue Hose, who had given Cal trouble earlier in the week, never found a rhythm against UCLA’s length and pressure.
Donovan Dent added 14 points and a team-best seven assists, orchestrating the offense with poise.
Brandon Williams stepped up in the starting lineup for the injured Tyler Bilodeau, delivering 11 points and a game-high seven rebounds. In total, nine Bruins scored, highlighting the team’s depth and unselfishness.
Presbyterian’s Struggles Continue on the Road
For Presbyterian, the loss capped a tough California road swing.
Jonah Pierce led the Blue Hose with 13 points, notching his seventh double-digit game of the season, while Triston Wilson chipped in nine points and four assists. Despite their physical style and defensive grit, the Blue Hose couldn’t keep pace with UCLA’s firepower, falling behind by double digits less than five minutes in and never threatening again.
Coach Quinton Ferrell praised his team’s effort but acknowledged the challenge: “Our guys will be ready to play… I don’t expect anything less than that,” he said before the game. But the Bruins’ early 12-4 run and relentless pressure quickly put the contest out of reach.
What’s Next for Both Teams
UCLA, now riding a two-game win streak, heads north for a marquee matchup against California at the Chase Center on Tuesday, November 25. The Bruins look to build on their momentum and continue climbing the national rankings.
Presbyterian returns home after five straight road games, hoping to regroup against CIU Rams on Wednesday, November 26.
Takeaways and Future Implications
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UCLA’s offensive explosion—their best shooting night in years—signals a team finding its identity and confidence after early-season adversity.
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Skyy Clark’s emergence as a go-to scorer gives the Bruins a dynamic weapon as they enter tougher Pac-12 play.
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Presbyterian’s defensive toughness remains a bright spot, but the Blue Hose need more consistent scoring to compete against top-tier opponents.
If Friday night was any indication, the Bruins are ready to make noise this season—and they’re doing it with style, swagger, and a whole lot of buckets.
Sources
1. Clark scores 22 as No. 19 UCLA beats Presbyterian 86-46
2. Presbyterian Falls to No. 19 UCLA
3. UCLA meets Mick Cronin's challenge in blowout win over Presbyterian
4. No. 19 UCLA Rolls Past Presbyterian, 86-46
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