UCLA's Tyler Bilodeau misses NCAA Tournament opener with knee injury

Bruins' leading scorer could return for second round after sitting out win over UCF

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:36am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

UCLA star forward Tyler Bilodeau missed the Bruins' NCAA Tournament first-round game against UCF due to a knee injury he suffered in the Big Ten Tournament. Bilodeau, who is UCLA's leading scorer at 17.6 points per game, was initially considered likely to play but was ultimately ruled out shortly before the game. UCLA head coach Mick Cronin said Bilodeau had practiced on Thursday but woke up with knee stiffness on game day, leading the team to hold him out. Bilodeau's status for the second round will be re-evaluated on Saturday.

Why it matters

Bilodeau's health is crucial for UCLA's March Madness hopes, as he has been the team's top scorer and a key contributor all season. The Bruins were able to win their first-round game without him, but his presence will be vital as they advance deeper into the tournament.

The details

Bilodeau sprained his right knee during UCLA's win over Michigan State in the Big Ten Tournament earlier in March. He has been out since then, with some back-and-forth on whether he would be able to play in the NCAA Tournament. Bilodeau has been seen walking and warming up with the team, but the coaching staff ultimately decided to hold him out of the first-round game against UCF.

  • Bilodeau suffered the knee injury on March 13 during UCLA's Big Ten Tournament game against Michigan State.
  • Bilodeau missed UCLA's Big Ten Tournament loss to Purdue on March 15.
  • Bilodeau missed UCLA's NCAA Tournament first-round win over UCF on March 20.

The players

Tyler Bilodeau

A senior forward and leading scorer for the UCLA Bruins, averaging 17.6 points per game this season.

Mick Cronin

The head coach of the UCLA Bruins men's basketball team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Tyler Bilodeau had a good practice yesterday but woke up with his knee stiff today and coach decided to keep him out. He said "we'll see how he is tomorrow.”

— Mick Cronin, Head Coach, UCLA Bruins

What’s next

Bilodeau's status for UCLA's second-round NCAA Tournament game will be re-evaluated on Saturday, March 21.

The takeaway

Bilodeau's health is crucial for UCLA's March Madness hopes, as he has been the team's leading scorer all season. The Bruins were able to win their first-round game without him, but his return will be vital as they look to advance deeper into the tournament.