LOS ANGELES - UCLA (16-7, 8-4) got their groove back in a triumphant way Tuesday, Feb. 3 with a massive 98-68 win over Rutgers (9-14, 2-10) at Pauley Pavilion.
The Bruins were still fresh off of their physically and emotionally draining double-overtime loss to Indiana just three days prior and a win like they had over Rutgers could be just what the Bruins need to get their momentum back.
"Coming off a game against Indiana like that, it's definitely a blow. But, I thought we did a really good job the last couple days at practice really coming together and staying focused, listening to the coaching staff," senior forward Tyler Bilodeau said. "I think we did a good job tonight. We've just got to keep building off that."
Booker's big night
It was an especially great night for junior forward Xavier Booker, who scored a career-high 24 points along with five rebounds and three assists.
That kind of performance is a massive lift for Booker, who overall has struggled for the Bruins this season. Known primarily for his defense, Tuesday's performance was the realization of the potential that Booker has as a two-way player and a showcase of his various offensive skills.
Jordan Teller - The Sporting Tribune
The UCLA Bruins bench celebrates during an NCAA basketball game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, Tuesday February 3, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
One skill in particular that Booker put on display was his three point shooting. He was a perfect 4-4 from three point range and both his usage and his confidence from beyond the arc stemmed from a message that UCLA head coach Mick Cronin gave during practice earlier in the week.
Cronin said that he stopped practice and told his players that since Booker kept being left unguarded around the perimeter by their opponents, it would be better for them to just trust him with a three pointer when he had an open shot rather than force a contested shot from inside the arc the way they tended to do.
The result was Booker's massive night.
A three point threat
"He [Booker] shoots 41% and you don't have to be a math major to know that an open three from Book is better than a contested two from anybody else."
Tuesday could be an indication of good things yet to come for Booker, who is averaging 6.9 points per game this season for the Bruins, and good things yet to come for an UCLA offense that's missing senior guard Skyy Clark.
Booker's transformation into a long-range offensive threat paired with his threatening presence inside the paint could give the Bruins the offensive diversity they need to stay threatening. To get there it'll take them heeding Cronin's advice even more and trusting Booker to take the open shots when he has them.
"Everything just felt good today, coming from the first shot. My teammates, they knew I was hitting shots today so they just kept feeding me the ball. So, shout out to them for that," Booker said.
Jordan Teller - The Sporting Tribune
Donovan Dent #2 of the UCLA Bruins lays the ball up during an NCAA basketball game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, Tuesday February 3, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Above all, it's just good that Booker had a good game and can find more confidence from it. He hasn't been as much of an impact player for the Bruins as he can be, but a game like Tuesday's can set off a positive streak.
"Great to see Xavier Booker smile," Cronin said.