UCLA's NCAA Tournament Run Ends in Round of 32 Loss to UConn

Bruins struggle offensively without leading scorer Tyler Bilodeau, fall 73-57 to Huskies

Mar. 23, 2026 at 6:34am

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No. 7 seed UCLA's NCAA Tournament run came to an end on Sunday as they fell 73-57 to No. 2 seed UConn in the Round of 32. Without leading scorer Tyler Bilodeau, the Bruins' offense went cold, making just one of their final nine shots as UConn pulled away late. UCLA struggled to finish at the rim and committed 11 turnovers, leading to a quiet, season-ending exit for the Bruins.

Why it matters

UCLA's loss marks the second straight year they've been eliminated in the Round of 32, raising questions about the program's ability to take the next step under coach Mick Cronin. The Bruins' offensive struggles without Bilodeau highlight their reliance on their star player and the need to develop more scoring options.

The details

No. 7 seed UCLA made just one of their final nine shots and didn't score for the final 2:55 of the game, allowing No. 2 seed UConn to pull away late. The Bruins struggled to finish at the rim, converting only two of their first 10 layup attempts, and committed 11 turnovers that led to 10 more paint points for the Huskies. UConn senior forward Alex Karaban had a season-high 27 points, including six 3-pointers in the first half.

  • UCLA's loss on Sunday, March 23, 2026 marked their second-round exit from the NCAA Tournament.
  • The Bruins had reached the Round of 32 after defeating UCF in the first round on Friday, March 21, 2026.

The players

Tyler Bilodeau

UCLA's leading scorer who missed his third straight game due to injury.

Trent Perry

UCLA sophomore guard who took accountability for his poor performance, saying he "let my seniors down" and needs to "be better."

Donovan Dent

UCLA senior guard who made history with the first triple-double in a Big Ten tournament game last weekend.

Alex Karaban

UConn senior forward who scored a season-high 27 points, including six 3-pointers in the first half.

Mick Cronin

UCLA head coach who steered the conversation away from basketball and said "Right now is not the time to coach. Right now is the time to try to be a father figure for those guys."

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What they’re saying

“This tournament, I didn't perform for my team at all. I let my seniors down, I let my teammates down … I got to be better.”

— Trent Perry, UCLA Sophomore Guard

“All due respect, our offense got us beat, or lack thereof I should say. Got to be able to finish at the rim or get fouled. We just couldn't do it. It just puts way too much pressure on your defense. You're not going to shut them out.”

— Mick Cronin, UCLA Head Coach

“We just missed shots that we normally make. It just sucks that that's how we went out, not playing up to our best ability … This season was a rollercoaster for us.”

— Donovan Dent, UCLA Senior Guard

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This loss highlights UCLA's reliance on Tyler Bilodeau and the need to develop more scoring options beyond their three-guard starting core. The Bruins' struggles to finish at the rim and protect the ball ultimately doomed them against the size and defensive pressure of UConn.