Tyler Bilodeau’s UCLA Bruins are set to take on the Purdue Boilermakers in the semifinal matchup of the Big Ten Tournament today. Both teams have the same 13-7 record in the conference, but Purdue leads in overall wins.
UCLA’s star power forward Bilodeau has been dealing with a knee injury, which has become a major concern for the team in the final stretch of the season. Mick Cronin’s biggest concern now is deciding whether he’ll play in the semifinal or not.
The UCLA Bruins wouldn’t get enough time in between the Michigan State game and the one against Purdue today. In roughly 16 hours after winning the Michigan game 88-84, they will take on the Boilermakers in the semifinal.
This could add to the Bruins’ problems. As for Bilodeau, several reports suggest that he’ll likely sit out the semifinal matchup. Interestingly, Cronin said that he will let him play, but in a cryptic manner.
“It would take a miracle for Tyler Bilodeau to play tomorrow, meaning I’d let him play,” Cronin said.
Bilodeau is dealing with a knee sprain. So, it seems like he has managed to avoid any major injury that could’ve affected his entire season. But is the knee sprain mild enough for him to lace up today? We’ll have to wait and see.
Cronin made it clear that he didn’t want to speculate about the forward’s injury. Bilodeau’s importance on the Bruins’ roster can’t be overstated. He is averaging 17.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.
If he doesn’t play today against Purdue in the semifinals, Cronin and Co. will have to figure out a way to compensate for his absence, which would be a huge task to pull off.
Mick Cronin Praised Michigan State After the Game
Michigan State’s Big Ten Tournament run was short-lived as they lost in the quarterfinals against Mick Cronin’s UCLA. After the game, Cronin praised the program for being competitive and challenging his team.
“Michigan State obviously a great team, great coach. We matched their physicality and played unbelievable first half,” he said. “The guys didn’t flinch, and I was proud of that. Offensively they were rolling, but we kept answering them. We showed a lot of poise and made big shots. Saved our shots for tonight.”
Cronin praised Michigan State’s physicality and their coach’s ability to run their defense so effectively. Even though it was a hard-fought battle, Cronin’s team got the better of them and moved to the semifinals.
Read More:
Todd Golden Investigation: All We Know About Florida HC’s Title IX Allegations From 2025
Will BYU Make March Madness? AJ Dybantsa’s Chances At NCAA Tournament Explored
Jeremy Fears Jr.’s Antics Evoke Clear Message From Tom Izzo In Fiery Post Game Conference
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in baseball, tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
