Injured UCLA G Jaylen Clark out for Pac-12 tournament

A Senior Night right leg injury that resulted in Jaylen Clark watching most of the second half on crutches will keep the UCLA guard off the court for the Pac-12 tournament this week.

Head coach Mick Cronin said the junior guard, UCLA's top defensive player, wouldn't play based on the results of an MRI exam on Sunday.

Cronin said Clark has a "lower leg injury" and said he's not authorized to say more. Clark will not travel with the team.

The Bruins begin the tournament Thursday at noon in Las Vegas, awaiting the winner of Washington and Colorado.

Clark left Saturday's game two minutes into the second half. He watched UCLA complete a 17-0 home season with a win over Arizona after returning to the bench on crutches.

The Bruins (27-4, 18-2) are the No. 1 seed in the Pac-12 tournament this week and vying for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Playing without Clark, who was named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year this week, will be an adjustment.

He has played in 90 career games and averaged 13 points, six rebounds and 1.9 assists per game in 2022-23.