UCLA ousts Michigan St. despite Bilodeau injury

Published: Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 4:18 am

UCLA Upsets Michigan State in Big Ten Tournament Despite Injury

CHICAGO – In a thrilling Big Ten tournament quarterfinal matchup, UCLA emerged victorious over No. 8 Michigan State with a final score of 88-84. The Bruins secured the win despite a significant setback: the injury of star player Tyler Bilodeau.

Donovan Dent led UCLA's offensive charge with 23 points and 12 assists, while Trent Perry contributed 22 points. The Bruins built a 15-point lead early in the second half but faced a determined comeback attempt from Michigan State.

The game's turning point came when Bilodeau suffered a non-contact leg injury late in the first half. He was forced to leave the court and spent the remainder of the game on the sidelines with his right knee wrapped. Prior to the injury, Bilodeau, the team's leading scorer and rebounder, had scored five points in 10 minutes.

Michigan State, despite the loss, saw strong performances from Jeremy Fears Jr., who scored 21 points and had 13 assists. Carson Cooper and Kur Teng each added 13 points for the Spartans.

The Bruins managed to maintain their lead through a series of late-game challenges. With the score at 82-80, Brandon Williams scored on a fast-break layup, extending UCLA's lead. Michigan State attempted to close the gap, but Perry's free throws in the final seconds sealed the victory for UCLA. The Bruins will now advance to the semifinals to face No. 18 Purdue.

BNN's Perspective: The Bruins' victory highlights the unpredictable nature of college basketball. While Bilodeau's injury is a significant blow, UCLA's ability to overcome adversity and secure a win against a highly-ranked opponent demonstrates their resilience and potential. This game sets the stage for an exciting semifinal matchup, and it will be interesting to see how UCLA adapts without their star player.

Keywords: UCLA, Michigan State, Big Ten tournament, Donovan Dent, Trent Perry, Tyler Bilodeau, injury, Jeremy Fears Jr., Carson Cooper, Kur Teng, basketball, college basketball, sports, tournament, quarterfinals, semifinals, Purdue, Nebraska

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