WATCH: UCLA's Sebastian Mack ejected following dirty hit on Utah star Branden Carlson

The Utah Utes star took an elbow to the throat by UCLA's freshman sensation in what turned out to be a costly mistake

On Sunday, the Utah Utes headed to Westwood with hopes of getting back in the win column against UCLA.

While he surely didn't envision helping the team in this matter, the team's leading scorer and rebounder Branden Carlson was on the receiving end of a dirty play by UCLA's Sebastian Mack. With Utah guard Hunter Erickson dribbling up the court and Mack picking him up all 94 feet, Carlson went to set a screen to give the ball handler some room to work. To the surprise of everyone, the former four-star launched his elbow/forearm into the throat of Carlson. 

Was the ejection warranted here? Has to be right? https://t.co/F8UuiZx40m

— AllUtes (@FN_AllUtes) February 19, 2024

The officials eventually deemed it a flagrant 2, with Mack getting ejected for the clearly intentional play. A blow for the Bruins considering he has been averaging 16 points per game over their last four, and on the year is the team's leading scorer.

As for Carlson, he did return to the game and at the half had nine points. He and the Runnin' Utes trail by a score of 36-34, as former Ute Lazar Stefanovic is leading the way for UCLA with a game-high 13 points.