In a positive turn of events, UCLA received news on Saturday that their top scorer, Tyler Bilodeau, has only a mild sprain in his right knee.
Medical evaluations indicated no structural damage, and he is anticipated to return for the Bruins’ opening game in the NCAA Tournament next week. He had already sat out the remainder of the Big Ten Tournament as a precaution.
Bilodeau experienced an injury late in the first half during the sixth-seeded Bruins’ 88-84 victory over third-seeded Michigan State on Friday at the United Center. He was seen in pain, gripping his right knee, and needed assistance to exit the court. However, he did manage to come back to the bench in the second half, with ice on his knees and waving to the fans.
Without Bilodeau, the team, which is set to face No. 7 seed Purdue in the Big Ten tournament semifinals on Saturday, will have to depend more on other players stepping up.
UCLA coach Mick Cronin may opt to start either Xavier Booker or Brandon Williams against the Boilermakers. Booker, at 6-foot-11, offers a size advantage compared to the 6-7 Williams, but Williams had a notable performance against Michigan State, contributing nine points, four rebounds, and three steals in 19 minutes.
In contrast, Booker managed only one rebound and no points in 14 minutes before fouling out. The Bruins might increase reliance on backup center Stephen Jamerson II, who saw limited playtime against the Spartans.
“We definitely need more from Xavier Booker and Steve Jamerson over the next few days,” Cronin acknowledged after the game.
