UCLA's Skyy Clark chips tooth in loose ball scramble, returns minutes later in win over UCF

Clark said he's going to put the chipped tooth under his pillow after the game.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 3:37am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

UCLA guard Skyy Clark chipped his front tooth during a loose ball scramble in the NCAA Tournament game against UCF. Despite the injury, Clark returned to the game and helped lead the Bruins to a 75-71 victory. Clark said the adrenaline was going so much that he didn't feel the pain initially, but it started to hurt more as the game continued. The team was able to find a dentist to treat Clark by the end of the night.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the toughness and dedication of college basketball players, who are willing to play through pain and injury to help their team succeed in the high-stakes NCAA Tournament. It also showcases the behind-the-scenes work of athletic trainers and staff to ensure injured players can return to action as quickly as possible.

The details

Late in the second half, Clark dove on the floor for a loose ball and was inadvertently elbowed in the mouth by UCF guard Themus Fulks. The impact cracked off more than half of Clark's right front tooth and sent it flying. Despite the injury, Clark quickly returned to the game, telling his teammates and coaches that the team needed him. In the locker room after the game, Clark rated the pain as a 9 out of 10, but said as long as they won, he didn't care.

  • Late in the second half of the NCAA Tournament game against UCF on March 20, 2026.

The players

Skyy Clark

A UCLA guard who chipped his front tooth during a loose ball scramble in the NCAA Tournament game against UCF.

Themus Fulks

A UCF guard who inadvertently elbowed Skyy Clark in the mouth, causing him to chip his tooth.

Mick Cronin

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

Eric Dailey Jr.

A UCLA player who led the Bruins with 20 points in the game against UCF.

Trent Perry

A UCLA player who joked about Skyy Clark's lisp after he chipped his tooth.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I had planned to get some dental work anyway. So it's all good.”

— Skyy Clark, UCLA Guard

“He looked so good in the locker room. Looks like a boxer. Looks tough. There's blood.”

— Mick Cronin, UCLA Head Coach

“Got a little lisp, too.”

— Trent Perry, UCLA Player

“Mike Tyson.”

— Eric Dailey Jr., UCLA Player

What’s next

The team was able to find a dentist to treat Skyy Clark's chipped tooth by the end of the night. Clark said he plans to wear a mouthguard on Sunday when UCLA plays the winner of No. 2 UConn and No. 15 Furman in the next round of the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

This incident showcases the toughness and resilience of college basketball players, who are willing to play through pain and injury to help their team succeed. It also highlights the important role of athletic trainers and staff in ensuring injured players can return to action as quickly as possible.