No. 22 UCLA handles University of San Diego 82-50 in exhibition finale

Ahead of the regular season getting underway next week versus No. 5 Arizona, the UCLA Bruins knocked off the San Diego Toreros 82-50 in UCLA’s final exhibition ahead of the 2026-2027 season.

The win on Tuesday was a bit more of a slugfest than the team’s win over California Baptist, with the Bruins shooting 35% from the field and 27% from three. UCLA led by just six at halftime before Mick Cronin’s team gained separation from San Diego in the second half.

The Bruins outscored San Diego 47-21 after halftime. The outburst was due to UCLA getting to the free throw line 20 times in the half and 38 times over the entire game. The Bruins will have less of a physicality advantage against Big Ten teams but UCLA didn’t shy away from contact in Tuesday’s

exhibition.

Trent Perry led UCLA with 17 points on just seven field goal attempts. Perry made four of his seven shots, knocked down a pair of threes and got to the free throw line eight times, adding in seven assists and six rebounds.

TP3‼️

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— UCLA Men’s Basketball (@UCLAMBB) October 28, 2026

UCLA will need a step from both Perry and Jaylen Petty this season for the Bruin backcourt to emerge as a major threat in the Big Ten Conference. Tuesday was a good showing for the UCLA guards, with the sophomore Petty adding nine points with five assists and four rebounds.

Nikola Kusturica’s statline looked a bit more humble compared to his debut against California Baptist, scoring 10 points on 3-8 shooting with four rebounds and two blocks. Kusturica’s offense will develop with age (he’ll be 17-years old for the entire 2026-2027 season) but his value as a secondary rim protector will be felt immediately.

Nikola 😮

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— UCLA Men’s Basketball (@UCLAMBB) October 28, 2026

Now the Bruins will turn to the regular season, where Cronin has his team in place to make some noise in a very talented Big Ten Conference.

This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: No. 22 UCLA handles University of San Diego 82-50 in exhibition finale