UCLA's Skyy Clark loses tooth in fight for ball, returns to hit late free throw to ice NCAA tournament win over UCF

Who says basketball's not a contact sport?

UCLA guard Skyy Clark sported a gap-toothed smile Friday that would make a hockey player proud.

Clark dove to the court to fight for a loose ball late in UCLA’s 75-71 win over UCF. As he was on his back, UCF’s Themus Fulks inadvertently elbowed him in the mouth. Out flying came one of Clark’s front teeth. Or part of it a least.

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Clark sat up from the scuffle with his teeth exposed, pointing to his now broken front right tooth. Half of it remained, jaggedly protruding from his gums. The other half was on the court at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, having been broken and knocked out by Fulks’ right elbow.

Slow-motion TV replay caught all the action.

Clark was slow to get up, but eventually walked off the court on his own with 2:40 remaining, showing of his newly configured smile for the cameras. But he wasn’t done.

Mar 20, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Skyy Clark (55) reacts on the bench in the second half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Skyy Clark didn't seem too bothered after chipping a tooth in UCLA's Round of 64 victory over UCF. (Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect / REUTERS

Clark returned to the game with 2:01 remaining and UCLA leading, 66-56. From there, the Bruins held off a late UCF rally to secure the 4-point win.

Clark hit a free throw with 2.3 seconds remaining to ice the UCLA win. And the 7th-seeded Bruins advanced to face either No. 2 seed UConn or No. 15 Furman in the second round on Sunday.