Purdue vs UCLA: Bruins Shock No. 4 Purdue 69–67 on Bilodeau’s Late Three
The UCLA Bruins pulled off a dramatic comeback on January 20, 2026, knocking off No. 4 Purdue 69–67 in front of a roaring Pauley Pavilion crowd.
After trailing for much of the night, UCLA delivered when it mattered most. Tyler Bilodeau’s go-ahead three-pointer with eight seconds left flipped the game in the final moments, and Purdue could not generate a clean look on its last possession.
The loss snapped Purdue’s 15–1 start and handed UCLA a résumé-defining victory.
Key Moment That Decided Purdue vs UCLA
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Final Score: UCLA 69, Purdue 67
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Venue: Pauley Pavilion, Los Angeles
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Game-winner: Tyler Bilodeau, corner three with 0:08 remaining
Down one late, UCLA executed perfectly, finding Bilodeau in the corner. His shot gave the Bruins a two-point lead, and Purdue’s final possession ended without a quality attempt, sealing the upset.
How the Game Swung
Purdue Controls Early
Purdue looked comfortable early, imposing its size and efficiency to quiet the crowd.
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Built a 12-point first-half lead
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Controlled the glass and tempo
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Forced UCLA into tough half-court possessions
UCLA’s First-Half Run Changes Everything
The momentum flipped late in the opening half.
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UCLA closed the half on a 17–5 run
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Included 11 straight Bruins points
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Game tied 32–32 at halftime
During that stretch, Sebastian Dent scored eight points, while UCLA’s defense forced multiple turnovers and held Purdue scoreless for over three and a half minutes.
Second Half: Tight, Tense, and Even
The second half of Purdue vs UCLA was a grind.
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Multiple lead changes
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No lead grew beyond a few possessions
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Both teams struggled to create separation
Execution, bench minutes, and defensive intensity became the difference as the game moved toward its dramatic finish.
Standout Performances
Tyler Bilodeau (UCLA)
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Team-high scoring night
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Game-winning three
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Key rebounds and defensive plays late
UCLA Bench Impact
UCLA’s reserves were a major factor:
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Gicarri Harris: 7 points and steady minutes
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Jack Benter: Key contributions on both ends
The Bruins’ bench outperformed Purdue’s rotation depth, keeping UCLA within striking distance until Bilodeau’s late heroics.
What This Result Means
UCLA Bruins
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Earn a marquee win over a top-five opponent
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Major boost to NET ranking and NCAA tournament résumé
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Showed resilience, defensive toughness, and late-game composure
Purdue Boilermakers
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Fall to 15–2 (5–1 conference)
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Let a double-digit lead slip on the road
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Late-game execution becomes a discussion point, though Purdue remains a national title contender
Final Word — Sportsphere24 Updates
Purdue vs UCLA will be remembered for Tyler Bilodeau’s clutch three, UCLA’s momentum-changing first-half run, and a top-five team stunned in the final seconds at one of college basketball’s most iconic venues.
It was the kind of win that reshapes a season — and the kind of loss that fuels lessons moving forward