The Bruins erased an 11‑point second‑half deficit and tied the game six times before Dent's layup capped a 23‑point rally. Eric Dailey Jr. led the team with 20 points, while Tyler Bilodeau added 18 and Trent Perry 17.
Illinois, favored by 7.5 points, had dominated early but fell short after a 20‑point surge in the second half. UCLA improves to 15‑1 at home and will face USC next, while Illinois heads to a matchup with Michigan.