In a disappointing turn of events, the UCLA men’s basketball team fell to UConn, 73-57, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on March 22, 2026. The game took place at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, marking a tough end to UCLA’s season.
The Bruins struggled to keep pace, trailing at halftime 38-33. Despite efforts from Xavier Booker, who led UCLA with 13 points and five rebounds, the team could not overcome UConn’s strong finish. UConn closed the game on a decisive 15-3 scoring run over the final seven minutes.
UCLA ended the season with a 24-12 record, including a 13-7 mark in Big Ten play. This marked their 54th NCAA Tournament appearance and the fifth time they advanced to the second round under Coach Mick Cronin.
In addition to Booker, Eric Dailey Jr. contributed 12 points, while Skyy Clark and Donovan Dent each added 11 points. Dent also registered 10 assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities.
UConn’s Alex Karaban was the standout performer, leading all scorers with 27 points, while Braylon Mullins added 17 points to secure the victory for the Huskies.
Following the game, Coach Mick Cronin expressed his disappointment, stating, “Congrats to UConn. They were better tonight. Our guys gave the effort. Can’t score, can’t win.” This sentiment reflects the frustration felt by the Bruins as they exit the tournament earlier than hoped.
UCLA advanced to this stage after a hard-fought 75-71 victory over UCF on March 20, but the momentum did not carry into their matchup against UConn.
As the Bruins reflect on their season, they will look to regroup and build for the future, hoping to return stronger next year.