UCLA put on an absolute clinic against Presbyterian on November 21, dominating from start to finish at Pauley Pavilion. The No. 19 Bruins led 41-22 at halftime and cruised to a 79-48 victory. Skyy Clark led the way with 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting, showcasing the type of offensive efficiency that’s defined UCLA’s impressive start to the season.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- UCLA dominated Presbyterian 79-48 in men’s college basketball on Nov. 21, 2025
- Halftime advantage of 41-22 set the tone for complete domination
- Skyy Clark led UCLA with 18 points on efficient 8-of-10 FG shooting
- The Bruins shot 65% from the field and 44% from three-point range
- UCLA improves to 4-1 record heading into their next matchup
What Happened on Friday Night
UCLA wasn’t playing around from the opening tip. The Bruins came out with serious intent and immediately imposed their will on Presbyterian. By the midway point of the first half, UCLA had stretched the lead to double figures, and it never got close again.
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Skyy Clark was absolutely on fire. He simply couldn’t miss early on. Clark finished the night with an efficient 18 points on an incredible 8-of-10 from the field. Donovan Dent controlled the offense with his playmaking. Jonah Pierce tried hard for Presbyterian, scoring 11 points, but his team couldn’t find any rhythm whatsoever.
The shooting disparity told the whole story. UCLA shot 65% from the field while Presbyterian managed just 37%. From three, the Bruins were 44% while the Blue Hose struggled at 8%. When you’re getting outshot that badly, there’s simply no path to victory.
Why This Dominant Performance Matters
This game showed exactly why UCLA entered the night ranked No. 19 nationally. The Bruins aren’t just winning—they’re winning convincingly. Presbyterian came in on a three-game losing streak, so this wasn’t a major signature win, but it demonstrated the kind of complete basketball UCLA is capable of playing.
For UCLA fans, this is encouraging stuff. Coach Mick Cronin has this team executing at a high level. The depth is real. Multiple players contributed scoring. The defense was suffocating. This isn’t a one-star team relying on a single player. That balance is what makes good teams great down the stretch.
The challenge now? Finding teams who can actually compete with this version of UCLA. The Bruins will keep building their resume, but performances like this—dominant, efficient, complete—are what’s needed to stay in tournament contention.
The Box Score Breakdown
Here’s how both teams stacked up statistically:
| Stat | Presbyterian | UCLA |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 48 | 79 |
| Halftime Score | 22 | 41 |
| Field Goal % | 37% | 65% |
| Three-Point % | 8% | 44% |
| Rebounds | 11 | 21 |
| Assists | 9 | 9 |
The rebounding difference was striking. UCLA grabbed 21 boards compared to Presbyterian’s 11. That’s winning the battle for second chances. The Bruins also dominated in the paint, scoring 32 points there versus just 20 for Presbyterian.
What’s Next for UCLA Basketball?
With this 4-1 record, UCLA is well-positioned as the 2025-26 season progresses. The Empire Classic tournament where this game took place provided good competition, and the Bruins are showing they can handle multiple different opponents and styles. The team continues to improve defensively and execute offensively.
So what does UCLA’s future hold? Can they keep winning at this rate? Will Skyy Clark and Donovan Dent lead them to the tournament? The Big Ten is loaded this season, but performances this dominant suggest UCLA belongs in the conversation. That’s the kind of statement wins that matter down the line.
Sources
- ESPN – Complete game statistics and matchup details
- UCLA Athletics – Official team information and roster data
- Big Ten Network – Conference coverage and game analysis
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.