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Game Preview: UCLA Bruins vs Eastern Washington Eagles
The UCLA Bruins open their 2025–26 season ranked No. 12 in the nation, hosting the Eastern Washington Eagles on Sunday, November 3, at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles. The matchup rekindles an old coaching rivalry between UCLA’s Mick Cronin and longtime West Coast fixture Dan Monson, now entering his second season with the Eagles.
Monson, who coached Long Beach State from 2007 to 2024, faced UCLA nine times in that span. He claimed one historic victory in 2010 before dropping eight straight — including four under Cronin’s tenure. This will be his first meeting against the Bruins leading Eastern Washington, a program seeking to rebound from a 10-22 campaign.
UCLA aims to showcase its new lineup anchored by explosive transfer guard Donovan Dent, who joins a strong frontcourt led by Tyler Bilodeau and Eric Dailey Jr.
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Key Storylines
- UCLA opens ranked No. 12 and brings in Mountain West Player of the Year Donovan Dent from New Mexico.
- Dan Monson faces UCLA for the first time since leaving Long Beach State, where he went 1-8 all-time against the Bruins.
- Eastern Washington lost top scorer Andrew Cook (15.8 ppg) to a season-ending ankle injury days before the opener.
- Guard Isaiah Moses, a transfer from UC Riverside, steps into a leading role for the Eagles.
- UCLA’s frontcourt returns key contributors Tyler Bilodeau and Eric Dailey Jr. to stabilize the offense and rebounding.
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UCLA Bruins Outlook
The Bruins are positioned as one of the most balanced teams in the Big Ten, blending size, defense, and new scoring punch from the backcourt. Donovan Dent brings elite scoring instincts after averaging 20.4 points per game at New Mexico, complementing returning forwards Tyler Bilodeau (13.5 ppg) and Eric Dailey Jr. (11.4 ppg).
Mick Cronin emphasized defense in UCLA’s exhibition win over San Diego State, where his team’s physical play inside and ball pressure stood out despite a rough shooting night from the perimeter. Freshman forward Brandon Williams’ health remains a storyline, but UCLA’s depth — including Skyy Clark and Sebastian Mack — provides insurance across multiple positions.
If the offense finds rhythm early, UCLA has the tools to assert itself as an elite two-way contender once again.
UCLA Injury Report
- Brandon Williams (hip) – Day-to-day
- No additional injuries reported.
Eastern Washington Eagles Outlook
Eastern Washington faces a tough test to start the season after losing top scorer Andrew Cook to injury. Cook’s absence shifts more responsibility to transfer guard Isaiah Moses, who averaged 12 points per game at UC Riverside and earned All-Big West honors.
Dan Monson’s team plays with tempo, averaging over 80 points per game last year, but consistency remains a concern. The Eagles finished last season on a six-game losing streak and will need a collective effort to score against UCLA’s physical defense.
Expect Eastern Washington to rely on perimeter movement and off-ball screens to create space against the Bruins’ length.
Eastern Washington Injury Report
- Andrew Cook (ankle) – Out for season
Betting Trends
- UCLA is 9-1 straight up in its last 10 season openers.
- The Bruins are 7-2 against the spread in their last nine home games versus non-conference opponents.
- The under has hit in 6 of UCLA’s last 9 home openers.
- Eastern Washington is 2-8 straight up in its last 10 non-conference road games.
- The Eagles have gone under in 7 of their last 11 matchups against ranked teams.
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Prediction
UCLA’s defense should dictate the game from the opening tip. Donovan Dent’s scoring, combined with Bilodeau’s interior presence, should overwhelm an Eastern Washington team still searching for its offensive identity after losing Cook. Expect the Bruins to push the pace and wear down the Eagles in transition.
Projected Score: UCLA 86, Eastern Washington 59
Best Bet: UCLA -22.5
Total Lean: Under 144.5
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