UCLA's Skyy Clark Loses Tooth, Helps Bruins Seal March Madness Win

Clark returned to hit a key free throw after suffering the dental injury in the first-round thriller.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 5:10pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

UCLA center Skyy Clark lost half of his front tooth after taking an elbow to the face while diving for a loose ball during the Bruins' 75-71 victory over UCF in the NCAA tournament. Despite the injury, Clark returned to the game and hit a crucial free throw to secure the win for UCLA.

Why it matters

Clark's toughness and determination to keep playing after suffering a painful dental injury showcases the competitive spirit and resilience of student-athletes in high-stakes March Madness games. His willingness to sacrifice his own comfort for the team's success is an inspiring example of the dedication required to compete at the highest level of college basketball.

The details

With UCLA clinging to a narrow lead late in the second half, Clark and UCF's Themus Fulks dove for a loose ball, resulting in an accidental elbow that knocked out half of Clark's front tooth. After being attended to by the team's staff, Clark returned to the game and hit a free throw in the final seconds to help the Bruins seal the victory.

  • The incident occurred late in the second half of UCLA's first-round NCAA tournament game against UCF on March 21, 2026.

The players

Skyy Clark

A senior center for the UCLA Bruins men's basketball team who lost half of his front tooth during the team's first-round NCAA tournament game.

Themus Fulks

A player for the UCF Knights men's basketball team who was involved in the play that resulted in Skyy Clark's dental injury.

Jack Seidler

A UCLA walk-on player who retrieved the missing piece of Skyy Clark's tooth after the incident.

Mick Cronin

The head coach of the UCLA Bruins men's basketball team, who praised Skyy Clark's toughness and resilience after the game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It definitely hurt. I have a little lisp going on.”

— Skyy Clark

“Somebody's got to get it, somebody's got to get it.”

— Jack Seidler, UCLA walk-on player

“That's toughness right there. Losing half a tooth and coming back into the game to help us get the win.”

— Jack Seidler, UCLA walk-on player

“He looked so good in the locker room. Looks like a boxer. Keep trying to talk to these guys about my old days. He just looked tough. Looks tough. In the locker room, smiling. There's blood.”

— Mick Cronin, UCLA head coach

What’s next

The Bruins will advance to the second round of the NCAA tournament, where they will face the winner of the game between Gonzaga and Saint Mary's.

The takeaway

Skyy Clark's willingness to play through a painful dental injury and make a crucial contribution to UCLA's victory showcases the incredible dedication and resilience of student-athletes competing in the high-stakes environment of March Madness. His toughness and commitment to his team are inspiring examples of the spirit that makes the NCAA tournament one of the most thrilling events in all of sports.