Donovan Dent returns as UCLA wins NCAA Tournament opener

Donovan Dent returned from a calf injury and had six steals as UCLA held off UCF 75-71 in its NCAA Tournament opener.

Donovan Dent returned from a calf injury and helped UCLA hold off UCF 75-71 in the NCAA Tournament opener at Xfinity Mobile Arena. His defense and late playmaking were key in a close game. Tyler Bilodeau did not play because of knee soreness and was replaced in the starting lineup by Xavier Booker. UCLA trailed by as many as 14 points before regaining control. Game facts: - UCLA defeated UCF 75-71 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. - Donovan Dent returned from a calf injury and finished with 10 points, five assists, six steals (a career high) and no turnovers; five of those steals came in the first half. - Eric Dailey Jr. scored 20 points and added five rebounds, two assists, two blocks and two steals. - Tyler Bilodeau was held out with knee soreness after warmups; Xavier Booker started and had 15 points, eight rebounds and four blocks. - UCF rallied from a 14-point deficit and cut the lead to three with 10 seconds remaining before UCLA's free throws secured the final margin. Summary: UCLA's defensive surge, highlighted by Dent's return, helped the seventh-seeded Bruins withstand a late UCF rally and move on in the tournament. The team improved to 24-11 and will play the winner of UConn and Furman on Sunday in the East Region. Bilodeau did not play in this game and his status remains a point of attention for upcoming matchups.