The pressure was mounting for the UCLA Bruins going into this week’s action against No. 4 Purdue and Northwestern at home. The Bruins entered the week with a 12-6 record and looked like they were drifting towards a season filled with disappointments.
The good week started versus Purdue
UCLA made a stand on Tuesday, upsetting the Boilermakers thanks to a game-winning three by Tyler Bilodeau to give the home fans at Pauley Pavilion something to cheer for. The Bruins added another win Saturday against the Wildcats, which could potentially set the Bruins on track for a more enjoyable rest of the season.
UCLA needs to be able to book on Xavier Booker
The Bruins also have gotten two strong games from the talented Xavier Booker, who hasn’t been able to put it all together thus far into his collegiate career. If UCLA can get solid play out of the 6’11” Booker, then their frontcourt looks significantly tougher.
Xavier Booker has stacked solid performances
Booker had a solid showing in the victory over Purdue, scoring nine points with four rebounds and three blocks. Booker was quieter on Saturday, scoring only five points but he matched his season-high with eight rebounds and blocked a shot. The Michigan State transfer knew that the Bruins season was running out of time, and that he and the team needed to give themselves something to believe in.
Maintaining good vibes has helped the transfer
“I always just try to stay positive, no matter what is going on,” Booker said during media availability on Friday. “I always try to look in the mirror and see what things I could do better myself. I just woke up that day with a positive mindset.”
Should Mick Cronin give Booker’s mindset a try?
Maybe this UCLA team needs some positivity. Mick Cronin isn’t always the cheeriest person, but if it leads to wins then perhaps Cronin will become a bit jollier. UCLA also saw guard Donovan Dent have his best game as a Bruin, scoring 23 points and 13 assists against Purdue and then had 13 points and five assists versus Northwestern.
UCLA can build on this week’s showing
It wasn’t perfect on Saturday for Dent, as he went a putrid 2-7 from the free throw line but if UCLA can get star-level play from Dent, along with quality minutes from Booker, then the team can be a thorn in opponents’ side for the rest of the season.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Xavier Booker and Donovan Dent are turning their seasons around
Reporting by Dylan McNeill, UCLA Wire / UCLA Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
