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UCLA Overcomes Michigan State, Advances Despite Bilodeau Injury

PUBLISHED Mar 14, 2026, 12:06 AM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 8

Center 87%

Right 13%

Sources: 8

Chicago, UCLA defeated eighth-ranked Michigan State 88-84 in a Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal on Friday, advancing to a semifinal with Purdue. Donovan Dent had 23 points and 12 assists, and Trent Perry added 22, sealing the final possession with free throws. Tyler Bilodeau exited late in the first half with a noncontact right knee injury and did not return; coach Mick Cronin said Bilodeau would likely miss the next game pending imaging. Michigan State mounted late comebacks but could not overcome UCLA’s lead. The game followed a lopsided February meeting between teams. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Faro B. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Less than a month earlier, Michigan State defeated UCLA by more than 30 points in a regular-season meeting.
Friday night, UCLA and Michigan State met in a Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal at the United Center.
Tyler Bilodeau suffered a noncontact right knee injury late in the first half and did not return.
Trent Perry hit late free throws and UCLA held on for an 88-84 victory; Donovan Dent had 23 points and 12 assists.
Coach Mick Cronin said Bilodeau would likely miss the semifinal pending further imaging; UCLA advanced to face Purdue.

News Intelligence

If you're a UCLA fan, this win is a big deal. It shows your team can overcome adversity, even without key player Bilodeau. It's a testament to their resilience. Keep an eye on Dent and Perry; they're stepping up in a big way.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 8
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 7
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 88%, Right 13%

Who Benefited

UCLA, its coaching staff and contributing players benefited by advancing to the Big Ten semifinals and demonstrating depth when key scorer Tyler Bilodeau exited with an injury.

Who Impacted

Tyler Bilodeau suffered a noncontact right knee injury that removed him from the quarterfinal and likely sidelined him for the semifinal, affecting UCLA’s immediate rotation and roster options.