Xavier Booker Shines as UCLA Dominates Rutgers in 98-66 Victory

In a captivating showcase of offensive prowess, UCLA’s Xavier Booker took center stage during the Bruins’ commanding 98-66 win against Rutgers at Pauley Pavilion. While the team was expected to rely on defense and rebounding, Booker shone brightly as an offensive powerhouse.

A Night of Highlights

Booker’s performance featured an array of mesmerizing highlights:

• Two-handed dunk following an inbounds pass.
• Dynamite drive-and-dish leading to another dunk.
• Precision passing to Eric Dailey Jr., resulting in a ferocious one-handed slam.

In the game, Booker was nearly perfect, hitting 10 of 11 shots and making all four of his three-point attempts. This impressive display brought him to a career-high 24 points, along with five rebounds and three assists.

Coach’s Praise for Booker

UCLA head coach Mick Cronin was thrilled to see Booker’s smile amid a challenging season. "Great to see Xavier Booker smile," Cronin noted, emphasizing Booker’s positive trajectory following his transfer from Michigan State. This breakout performance couldn’t have come at a better time, as it followed a grueling double-overtime loss to Indiana just three days prior.

"Definitely haven’t had a game this good in a while," Booker expressed, reflecting on his past struggles and the importance of confidence in his play. "Trusting the work I put in outside of practice and being around a great group of guys keeps me encouraged."

Booker’s Long-Range Success

Booker’s ability from beyond the arc has been noteworthy this season, shooting 48.5% from three-point range. Cronin recently instructed the team to prioritize giving Booker open looks, stating, "You don’t have to be a math major to figure out an open 3 from Book is better than a contested two from anybody else."

The Importance of the Win

This dominant win over Rutgers was crucial for UCLA, especially given their precarious NCAA tournament positioning. Most projections had them as a No. 10 or No. 11 seed, putting them firmly on the bubble. A loss to Rutgers, who has now lost six consecutive games, could have severely hindered their tournament aspirations.

Turning Point in the Game

After allowing Rutgers to shoot an impressive 53.3% in the first half, UCLA switched tactics on defense. The Bruins initiated a 12-3 run, stretching their lead to 64-43 and dispelling any doubts about the outcome. Notably, they managed to contain Rutgers guard Kaden Powers, who went from scoring 18 points in the first half to being held scoreless post-intermission.

MVP of the Game: Donovan Dent

While Booker led the scoring, Donovan Dent exemplified an all-around strong performance with a double-double, contributing 13 points and 11 assists. Dent’s game management was exceptional, evidenced by his single turnover during the match.

"He wants to have any chance at a pro career," Cronin said, emphasizing Dent’s transition to a more disciplined style of play.

What’s Next for UCLA?

The Bruins conclude their three-game homestand against Washington on Saturday before entering a rare week-long break. Post-break, they will embark on a challenging road trip featuring games against No. 2 Michigan and No. 10 Michigan State.

Summary

Xavier Booker’s breakout performance marks a pivotal moment for UCLA as they navigate the season. With their NCAA tournament hopes on the line, securing a win over Rutgers has given the Bruins renewed momentum. As they prepare for upcoming challenges, both Booker and Dent will be crucial in their quest for tournament success.

For more basketball insights and updates, check out NCAA Basketball and stay tuned for more thrilling matchups this season.