Xavier Booker’s Two-Way Mastery Lifts UCLA Past UCF in NCAA Tournament Opener
PHILADELPHIA — When Tyler Bilodeau was ruled out with knee soreness just hours before tip-off, UCLA’s NCAA Tournament opener against UCF seemed to gain a layer of uncertainty. What emerged instead was a statement performance from backup center Xavier Booker, whose 15 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks powered the Bruins to a nerve-wracking 75-71 victory at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Booker’s stat line wasn’t just a fill-in effort—it matched Bilodeau’s average output. Booker’s 15 points, combined with Steven Jamerson II’s two, reached Bilodeau’s 17-point average per gameNew York Post, while Booker’s eight rebounds equaled his season high and his four blocks anchored a rim-protection effort that held UCF to 41% shooting.
The defensive impact was no accident. Booker, typically a reserve, entered the starting lineup with a clear mandate from Coach Mick Cronin: focus on rebounding, defending, and shot-blocking. “I feel like I just stayed within myself,” Booker said. “Obviously, Coach wants me to rebound a lot better, and I feel like that’s my main focus going into these games.”
Cronin, whose teams are built on defensive identity, was visibly pleased with Booker’s two-way game. “I was mostly happy with his eight rebounds,” Cronin said, noting the total matched Booker’s season highNew York Post. The coach also highlighted Booker’s offensive upside: “We threw it to him. We need that. He’s an offensive player. He can play on that end.” Cronin even joked that the Bruins might have been better defensively without Bilodeau—a quip that felt prophetic given Booker’s ability to stay with every Knights player step for step.
Booker’s second-half execution was surgical. He scored UCLA’s first two baskets with a smooth jump hook and a short jumper. When UCF small-balled, Booker attacked the matchup with a transition lob dunk and a corner three-pointer, going 4-for-5 from the field after halftime. “Just to see his activity tonight, especially in a game like this, it’s huge for us,” guard Trent Perry remarked.
His four blocks were more than numbers—they were momentum killers that preserved UCLA’s fragile leadNew York Post. Each rejection came at a critical juncture, preventing UCF from gaining ground in the final minutes. Booker’s rim protection allowed UCLA’s perimeter defenders to stay aggressive, knowing they had a safety net behind them.
With Bilodeau’s availability for Sunday’s second-round showdown against UConn uncertain, Booker’s emergence transforms UCLA’s rotation. The Bruins no longer face a drop-off at center if Bilodeau’s knee flares up again. Instead, they have a two-way weapon who can score, rebound, and defend at a high level—a luxury few tournament participants enjoy.
For the UCLA fanbase, which has scrutinized the team’s frontcourt depth all season, Booker’s performance is a revelation. It answers the lingering “what-if” surrounding Bilodeau’s health and suggests the Bruins’ ceiling is higher than many analysts projected. His ability to lock in on defense while providing efficient offense embodies the March blueprint Cronin has long pursued.
Booker’s mindset remains singular. “Just being able to defend,” he said, “that’s kind of the main thing that Coach wants from me and I want from myself, too.” If he carries that focus forward, UCLA’s path to the Sweet 16 just became clearer—and more formidable.
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