LOS ANGELES – The UCLA Bruins basketball team pulled off a stunning upset Tuesday night, defeating the 18th-ranked Wisconsin Badgers 85-83 at Pauley Pavilion, snapping the Badgers’ impressive seven-game winning streak.
The game was marked by dramatic tensions, as the Bruin's Aday Mara displayed prodigious skill on both ends of the court. The towering 7-foot-3 sophomore center led UCLA with a career-high 22 points, shooting 7-for-7 from the field and making 8 of 11 free throws. His dominant presence was felt throughout the game, earning him substantial praise from Coach Mick Cronin. “He changed the entire game, no question about it,” Cronin emphasized after the game, highlighting Mara’s role as not just a scorer, but also as a defensive anchor.
UCLA entered the contest with caution after struggling with their form, including losing four consecutive matches before this win. They improved to 13-6 overall and 4-4 within the Big Ten, giving the team a much-needed boost. Wisconsin, on the other hand, saw their record drop to 15-4 and 5-3 in the conference.
The game was closely contested, with Wisconsin making significant efforts to rally back from an eight-point deficit late in the fourth quarter. Badgers guard John Blackwell hit a three-pointer just one minute before the end, narrowing the lead to 81-80. UCLA responded with free throws from Sebastian Mack, ensuring they maintained the lead even as the clock dwindled down.
Mack's contributions were invaluable, as he scored 15 of his 19 points during the second half alone. His efforts were key as he played through difficulties, having spent considerable time on the bench before stepping up when needed most. The resilience showcased by UCLA was evident, especially with four players fouling out during the competitive matchup.
Statistically, Wisconsin outshot UCLA, making 51% of their shots overall and 50% from beyond the arc, hitting 15 of 30 attempts from three-point range. Despite this, the Badgers were plagued by turnovers, giving up the ball 13 times, which culminated in 10 points for UCLA.
Heading down the last moments of the game, UCLA’s performance was bolstered by contributions from multiple players, particularly forward William Kyle III. After sitting out much of the half, Kyle re-entered to make pivotal defensive plays, including blocking Blackwell’s potentially game-tying jumper.
Utilizing the home-court advantage, UCLA's fans were alive with energy, especially as Mara made noteworthy plays, even prompting chants of his name as he scored points and blocked shots. His presence underscored the Bruins' ability to meet the challenges presented by Wisconsin's size.
Coach Cronin acknowledged the significance of Mara's impactful performance, attributing it to hard work and preparation. “If you have to guard him straight up legally, it’s really hard to stop him,” he stated, emphasizing how officials allowed fair play rather than letting the game turn to physicality. Aday Mara’s performance not only marked his growth but showcased the potential of the Bruin roster as they seek to reestablish their footing within the competitive Big Ten.
After the conclusion of the game, Mara expressed his joy over his performance. “Feels really good,” Mara said, acknowledging how he had worked tirelessly to reach this level. His successful outing came after he had transitioned from merely being part of the rotation to becoming one of the team’s most impactful players.
This victory for UCLA not only ends Wisconsin's unbeaten run but also signals the Bruins' capability to compete at the highest levels, foreshadowing potential for the remainder of the season. The team, now reinvigorated, aims to build off of this momentum as they continue their season with renewed confidence.
With notable performances from the backcourt, combined with the emergence of Aday Mara, the Bruins have established themselves as formidable contenders moving forward. Fans are hopeful this win serves as the turning point UCLA desperately needed.