UCLA’s Skyy Clark Plays Through the Pain: A Testament to Grit in March Madness
The UCLA Bruins advanced to the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament with a 75-71 victory over UCF, but the game was marked by a dramatic moment involving guard Skyy Clark. Late in the second half, Clark lost a piece of his front tooth after diving for a loose ball and colliding with UCF’s Themus Fulks. Despite the injury, Clark returned to the game and even secured a crucial free throw in the final seconds to seal the win.
A Toothless Wonder: Clark’s Determination on Display
The incident occurred with just over two minutes remaining in the game. Clark immediately went to the bench, revealing the chipped tooth to teammates and coaches. Remarkably, he didn’t hesitate to return to the court, playing through obvious discomfort. Teammates were quick to praise his toughness.
“He’s a dog,” guard Trent Perry said. “He doesn’t really get hurt. The only time he’s hurt is when he pulled his hamstring. But, at the end of the day, he’s a dog, and he’ll do everything for us to win.”
Forward Xavier Booker echoed this sentiment, stating, “Just doing whatever it takes to win. Diving on the floor, that’s who Skyy is every day.”
Beyond the Tooth: Clark’s Importance to the Bruins
Clark’s willingness to play through pain underscores his value to the UCLA team. He’s averaging 11.5 points per game on 46% shooting from the floor and 43% from three-point range this season. His absence would be a significant blow, especially considering the Bruins are already navigating injuries to Tyler Bilodeau and Donovan Dent.
Dent, who scored 10 points with 5 assists, 5 rebounds, and 6 steals in the game against UCF, is likewise dealing with an injury. Maintaining a healthy roster is crucial for UCLA’s hopes of making a deep run in the tournament.
Quick Recovery and Looking Ahead
In a testament to his resilience, Clark had the chipped tooth repaired by the following day, revealing the fix before the Bruins’ Round of 32 matchup against UConn. “I’m all good now,” Clark said. “I felt it instantly. I kind of like, put my tongue where the tooth was, and I felt nothing there. I was like ‘Yeah, it’s gone.’”
Clark and the Bruins will now aim to put together a strong performance in the Round of 32 against UConn and get to the Sweet Sixteen once again. Despite a wonky up-and-down season, the Bruins have a chance to go on a deep run as long as they are full strength.
FAQ
Q: How did Skyy Clark injure his tooth?
A: Clark lost a piece of his front tooth after diving for a loose ball and colliding with a UCF player, resulting in an elbow to the face.
Q: Did Skyy Clark miss any playing time after the injury?
A: He briefly left the game but quickly returned to finish playing.
Q: What is Skyy Clark’s role on the UCLA team?
A: Clark is a key player for the Bruins, averaging 11.5 points per game.
Q: What other injuries are the Bruins dealing with?
A: Tyler Bilodeau and Donovan Dent are also currently dealing with injuries.
