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UCLA Upsets No. 10 Illinois on Dent’s OT Buzzer Beater After 23-Point Rally

The result gives UCLA a signature Quadrant 1 boost entering the season’s final stretch.

UCLA guard Donovan Dent, left, gets past Illinois center Zvonimir Ivisic to score the game-winning basket in overtime on Saturday night at Pauley Pavilion. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Image
Feb 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA guard Donovan Dent (2) reacts after scoring the winning basket at the buzzer in overtime against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
UCLA guard Donovan Dent (2) dribbles during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Illinois in Los Angeles, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Overview

  • UCLA beat No. 10 Illinois 95-94 in overtime on Donovan Dent’s coast-to-coast layup that was reviewed and upheld as fans rushed the court.
  • Illinois had reclaimed the lead on Keaton Wagler’s putback with 4.9 seconds left before UCLA inbounded to Dent for the decisive drive.
  • Dent posted 14 points and a career-high 15 assists without a turnover, leading six Bruins in double figures as Eric Dailey Jr. scored 20 and Tyler Bilodeau added 18.
  • The Bruins erased a 23-point first-half hole, a deficit ESPN Research says is the largest ever overcome to defeat an AP Top-10 opponent.
  • Illinois dominated the glass 43-27 with 20 offensive rebounds and visits No. 1 Michigan next, while UCLA hosts USC as its enhanced NCAA resume takes shape.