Second-seeded UConn Huskies (30-5) face No. 7 UCLA Bruins (24-11) tonight in Philadelphia at the Xfinity Mobile Arena. The winner advances to the Sweet 16 to play the Michigan State Spartans, who secured their spot by defeating the Louisville Cardinals. But the Huskies may need to enter the game shorthanded.
Starting point guard Silas Demary Jr. is dealing with an ankle injury sustained during the Big East Tournament final against the St. John’s Red Storm. He missed the first-round win over the Furman Paladins, which was his first missed start in years.
The primary playmaker is still on the injury report again before UCLA’s game. After averaging 6.2 assists and 1.6 steals with 10.9 points per game, it is worth mentioning that the Huskies’ half-court offense loses its most consistent asset in the March Madness second round.
ESPN insider Pete Thamel reported from College GameDay on Saturday night that head coach Dan Hurley addressed the status of both Demary and fellow Husky Jaylin Stewart ahead of Sunday’s tip. Hurley told Thamel that both players are game-time decisions, but Demary has a better chance of suiting up.
Thamel claimed, “He said if either or both play, they will be gutting it out tonight.”
Latest on the injury front from @CollegeGameDay, including Silas Demary’s chances to return for UConn tonight. pic.twitter.com/YwLV2doH1q
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) March 22, 2026
However, the Huskies are not the only team dealing with injuries. According to College GameDay, the Bruins forward Tyler Bilodeau is a game-time decision. He missed the first round against the UCF Knights with a knee injury.
Additionally, Iowa State Cyclones forward Joshua Jefferson is not expected to play against the Kentucky Wildcats. He suffered a low ankle sprain early in their win over the Tennessee State Tigers.
Related: Dan Hurley’s Father Wanted Him to Leave the UConn Job in 2024
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Basketball section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.