In a stunning turnaround at Pauley Pavilion, UCLA pulled off one of the most remarkable comebacks in college basketball history, rallying from a 23-point deficit to defeat No. 10 Illinois 95-94 in overtime on Saturday night. Donovan Dent sealed the victory with a buzzer-beating layup, dribbling the length of the court in just 4.9 seconds to split two Illini defenders and finish with an up-and-under move at the rim. The win marks UCLA's second top-10 upset at home this season, following their 69-67 victory over then-No. 4 Purdue on Jan. 20.
The Bruins entered the game reeling from a tumultuous week that included back-to-back blowout losses on the road, the first time since the 1944-45 season that UCLA had suffered consecutive defeats by 20 or more points. Their troubles compounded earlier when coach Mick Cronin ejected reserve player Steven Jamerson II during a loss at Michigan State, mistakenly believing Jamerson had committed a dirty foul. Cronin later admitted his error after reviewing footage and apologized to Jamerson, who saw limited action with just 1.5 minutes on the court against Illinois.
"There's a lot of negativity towards our program," said UCLA forward Eric Dailey Jr. "Those outside forces, we can't let them get in. One thing we've been trying to focus on is positive words toward each other, just encouraging each other to do good. When a player has their head down, pick them up."
Illinois, winners of 14 of their last 16 games, dominated the first half, building a commanding 23-point lead while shooting an impressive 54% from the floor and 53% from beyond the three-point arc. The Fighting Illini, who entered the matchup as the nation's top offensive team with a record of 22-6 overall and 13-4 in the Big Ten, appeared poised for another statement win on the road.
"I was worried before the game," Cronin said. "I didn't like the look on their faces before the game. It was almost like they had lost confidence. And we played like that early, until we forgot about it."
UCLA's resurgence began with a renewed defensive intensity in the second half, as the Bruins clamped down on Illinois' potent attack. The Illini, who had been averaging high-scoring outputs all season, managed just 22% shooting in overtime and went 0-for-5 from three-point range during that crucial period. Dent, playing all 42 minutes without a single turnover, orchestrated the comeback with 14 points and a career-high 15 assists, proving instrumental in keeping his team composed amid the chaos.
"Even when we went down big, we were still connected as a team in the huddles," Dent said. "We just kept saying keep fighting."
The 23-point deficit overcome by UCLA stands as the largest comeback to defeat a top-10 opponent in the history of the AP poll, according to ESPN Research. It surpasses previous notable rallies and echoes the Bruins' last significant comeback from 19 points down in a 90-83 win over Oregon on Feb. 23, 2019, also at Pauley Pavilion. Fans, energized by the dramatic finish, stormed the court in celebration, a rare occurrence for a regular-season game that underscored the magnitude of the moment.
Dent's game-winning sequence was a testament to his poise under pressure. After securing the ball following a miss by Illinois, he raced downcourt, evading defenders with quick footwork before banking in the layup as the clock expired. "I wasn't making layups to save my life," Dent admitted with a laugh. "I missed like five in a row, so for me to get down there, it was amazing."
Teammate Eric Dailey Jr. praised Dent's clutch performance, saying, "That's what he's here for." The victory improves UCLA's record to 18-9 overall and 10-6 in the Big Ten, providing a much-needed boost after their recent skid. Cronin hopes the win restores confidence in a squad that has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency.
"I hope it helps our confidence," Cronin said. "You would hope it sends a message to them that if you're bought in defensively, we got a great chance to win."
The ejection incident at Michigan State had drawn widespread negative publicity for the program, amplifying the pressure on the Bruins as they navigate a critical stretch. Cronin, known for his fiery sideline presence, reflected on the mistake as a learning opportunity, emphasizing the importance of reviewing plays before reacting. Jamerson, despite the brief playing time, contributed to the team's positive vibe in the locker room.
"We got to flush 'em," Dent said of the recent losses, signaling the team's determination to move forward. With four regular-season games left, including a home matchup against No. 9 Nebraska and two games against crosstown rival USC, UCLA faces a tight timeline to solidify its NCAA tournament resume. The Big Ten tournament in Chicago looms next, where every win will count toward escaping the bubble.
"Our season's on the line right now," Dent said. "We're in desperation." The Bruins' rally not only salvaged a tough week but also reignited hopes for a postseason push, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity. As the conference race heats up, UCLA's ability to channel this momentum could define their March fate.
This victory highlights the unpredictable nature of college basketball, where a single game can shift perceptions and trajectories. For Illinois, the loss drops them to 22-7 and serves as a reminder of vulnerabilities despite their offensive prowess. Both teams now turn their focus to upcoming challenges, with UCLA aiming to build on this historic night.