Overview
- Bilodeau exited late in the first half of UCLA’s 88-84 Big Ten quarterfinal win over No. 8 Michigan State after a noncontact injury to his right knee and did not return.
- Coach Mick Cronin said it would take “literally a miracle” for Bilodeau to play in Saturday’s semifinal against No. 18 Purdue and confirmed further imaging was ordered.
- Cronin expressed hope the issue is a sprain, and separate reports described initial indications of a knee sprain, though no formal diagnosis or timeline has been announced.
- Bilodeau leads the Bruins at approximately 18.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, making his absence a significant blow to UCLA’s offense and rebounding.
- Cronin said UCLA will need more from its frontcourt, pointing to Xavier Booker, Steven Jamerson II and Brandon Williams as the Bruins turn around to play again roughly 16 hours after the quarterfinal.