UCLA Basketball Star Tyler Bilodeau Injured Before Purdue Game

Bilodeau's knee injury could impact UCLA's chances against Purdue in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 5:35pm

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UCLA basketball star Tyler Bilodeau suffered a knee injury in the team's quarterfinal matchup against Michigan State and will not play in the semifinal game against Purdue. Tests showed no serious structural damage, but the injury could still affect Bilodeau's performance. Bilodeau is UCLA's leading scorer, averaging 17.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. Without Bilodeau, UCLA will need to rely on strong guard play from Donovan Dent and Trent Perry to try and defeat Purdue.

Why it matters

Bilodeau's injury is a significant blow to UCLA's chances against a tough Purdue team in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals. As UCLA's leading scorer, Bilodeau's absence could make it much harder for the Bruins to advance. However, UCLA showed resilience in overcoming Bilodeau's injury to beat Michigan State, so the team may still have a chance against Purdue if their guards can step up.

The details

Bilodeau suffered the knee injury early in the second half of UCLA's quarterfinal matchup against Michigan State. He played just 10 minutes before the injury occurred. Tests showed no serious structural damage, but the injury could still impact his performance. UCLA head coach Mick Cronin said the team will not risk Bilodeau's long-term prospects by playing him against Purdue. In Bilodeau's absence, UCLA will need strong games from guard Donovan Dent, who scored 23 points and had 12 assists against Michigan State, as well as Trent Perry, who added 22 points.

  • Bilodeau suffered the knee injury in the second half of UCLA's quarterfinal game against Michigan State on March 13, 2026.
  • UCLA will face Purdue in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals on March 14, 2026.

The players

Tyler Bilodeau

UCLA's leading scorer, averaging 17.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per game while shooting 51.8% from the field and 46.4% from 3-point range.

Donovan Dent

New Mexico transfer who scored a game-high 23 points and had 12 assists, 4 steals and 6 rebounds in UCLA's quarterfinal win over Michigan State.

Trent Perry

UCLA sophomore who scored 22 points on 6-of-10 shooting in 30 minutes against Michigan State.

Mick Cronin

Head coach of the UCLA basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“UCLA head coach Mick Cronin would not want to risk his squad's long-term prospects, so fans hope this decision is precautionary more than anything else.”

— Ben Bolch, Reporter

What’s next

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