Main Story

UCLA opened the 2026–27 season with an 84–75 upset of preseason Big 12 favorite Arizona, moving up seven spots to No. 14 in the CBS Sports Top 25 And 1. Trent Perry led the Bruins with 21 points, while coach Mick Cronin praised the team’s added athleticism. Florida remains No. 1 after beating Miami.

By the Numbers
  • UCLA beat Arizona, 84–75.
  • Trent Perry scored 21 points, made all 11 free throws and added 5 assists.
  • UCLA rose 7 spots to No. 14; Arizona fell 8 spots to No. 15.
  • Florida beat Miami, 77–67, to stay No. 1.
Yes, But

One opening-night upset is an early signal, not proof that UCLA is a title contender. Arizona’s next games will show whether the loss was a stumble or a warning sign about its preseason expectations.

State of Play
  • UCLA is 1–0 and faces North Florida on Friday at Pauley Pavilion.
  • Arizona is 0–1 and next plays Cal Poly on Thursday.
  • UCLA begins Big Ten play at home against Oregon on Dec. 1.
What's Next

UCLA will look to build on the win against North Florida before its Big Ten schedule begins. Arizona has an immediate chance to reset against Cal Poly.

Bottom Line

UCLA’s opener put the Bruins on the rankings map—and gave Cronin an early reason to believe this team’s athleticism could make it a tougher opponent than expected.