Perry scores 23, Dent adds 17 points and 10 assists as UCLA beats Washington 77-73

Freshman guard Trent Perry and sophomore Donovan Dent led the UCLA Bruins to a hard-fought 77-73 victory over the Washington Huskies at the Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle on Thursday night to secure a crucial Big Ten Conference win. Perry delivered a career-high performance to spearhead the Bruins' offense, while Dent facilitated the play with a double-double, ensuring UCLA maintained their momentum in the highly competitive conference standings. The victory was essential for the Bruins as they sought to improve their road record and solidify their position in the postseason conversation against a resilient Washington squad. Trent Perry's breakout game saw him shooting efficiently from beyond the arc and at the free-throw line, providing the scoring punch UCLA needed to counter Washington's late-game surges. Meanwhile, Donovan Dent's 17 points were complemented by 10 assists, demonstrating his growth as the primary floor general for the Bruins. The duo's synergy was on full display during the final minutes of the contest when they managed to navigate the Huskies' defensive pressure to convert key possessions into points. This balanced attack proved too much for Washington, who struggled to contain both the perimeter shooting and the interior playmaking of the visiting team. Despite the loss, Washington remained within striking distance for much of the second half, buoyed by their own offensive runs and a vocal home crowd. However, the Huskies were ultimately undone by defensive lapses and UCLA's ability to capitalize on turnovers. The game’s frantic pace favored the Bruins' transition offense, which was sparked by Dent's vision and Perry’s clinical finishing. As the clock wound down, UCLA’s composure at the charity stripe helped them preserve their lead, marking a significant step forward for a young roster that has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season.