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Why is “UCLA Basketball” trending?

UCLA routs Cal Baptist 100-53 in exhibition opener

UCLA men's basketball opened its preseason schedule with an exhibition win over California Baptist, taking the game 100-53. Sports Illustrated's post-game analysis praised the Bruins on both ends of the floor, pointing to tight perimeter and rim defense and efficient offense that featured several alley-oop finishes.

Forward Eric Dailey Jr. drew the most attention. Sports Illustrated described him as a key offensive piece after he hit seven three-pointers and scored 25 points, and the outlet said his mix of forward size and guard-style shooting gives the team flexibility. Yahoo Sports also ran a preview highlighting several Bruins players to watch in the game. Because the contest was an exhibition, the results do not count toward the official record, and the team's regular-season games are still ahead.

Key facts

• UCLA beat California Baptist 100-53 in its first exhibition game of the season.
• Sports Illustrated credited strong defense at the rim and on the perimeter.
• Eric Dailey Jr. led UCLA with 25 points and seven made three-pointers.
• Sports Illustrated said the team could make an impact in the Big Ten.
• Exhibition games do not count in the official regular-season record.

What we don't know yet

Coverage so far does not say how UCLA will perform against tougher opponents once the regular season begins.

Our summary of reporting by Sports Illustrated, Yahoo Sports. Written with AI assistance and checked against the sources; read the full stories at the links below. Updated Oct 22, 12:24 AM EDT.

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What the headlines say

• Sports IllustratedInstant Takeaways From UCLA's Exhibition Win Over Cal BaptistOct 21, 11:50 PM EDT
• Sports IllustratedHow to Watch UCLA’s Exhibition Matchup Against Cal BaptistOct 21, 9:00 AM EDT
• Sports IllustratedUCLA’s Potential Sixth Starter Is Turning HeadsOct 21, 8:00 AM EDT
• Yahoo Sports3 UCLA Players to Watch in Exhibition Against Cal BaptistOct 21, 6:00 AM EDT
• Yahoo SportsJuJu Watkins' return powers USC to No. 3 as UCLA begins title defense at No. 12 in Coaches PollOct 21, 12:33 AM EDT
• Yahoo SportsUSC ranked No. 22 in USA TODAY Coaches Poll; UCLA just misses top 25Oct 20, 11:26 PM EDT
• Yahoo SportsWho is on LSU men's basketball roster after latest eligibility news?Oct 20, 3:59 PM EDT
• Sports Illustrated3 Questions UCLA Basketball Must Answer Before Season BeginsOct 20, 7:30 AM EDT
• Yahoo SportsWhat To Watch From UCLA's Projected Starters Against Cal BaptistOct 20, 6:30 AM EDT

How the story unfolded

• Oct 20, 6:30 AM EDT — Yahoo Sports: What To Watch From UCLA's Projected Starters Against Cal Baptist
• Oct 20, 7:30 AM EDT — Sports Illustrated: 3 Questions UCLA Basketball Must Answer Before Season Begins
• Oct 20, 3:59 PM EDT — Yahoo Sports: Who is on LSU men's basketball roster after latest eligibility news?
• Oct 20, 11:26 PM EDT — Yahoo Sports: USC ranked No. 22 in USA TODAY Coaches Poll; UCLA just misses top 25
• Oct 21, 12:33 AM EDT — Yahoo Sports: JuJu Watkins' return powers USC to No. 3 as UCLA begins title defense at No. 12 in Coaches Poll
• Oct 21, 6:00 AM EDT — Yahoo Sports: 3 UCLA Players to Watch in Exhibition Against Cal Baptist
• Oct 21, 8:00 AM EDT — Sports Illustrated: UCLA’s Potential Sixth Starter Is Turning Heads
• Oct 21, 9:00 AM EDT — Sports Illustrated: How to Watch UCLA’s Exhibition Matchup Against Cal Baptist
• Oct 21, 11:50 PM EDT — Sports Illustrated: Instant Takeaways From UCLA's Exhibition Win Over Cal Baptist