This post was updated Jan 22 at 9:31 p.m.

Aday Mara hadn’t played in over a week heading into Tuesday.

But against the Badgers, the 7-foot-3 sophomore center was a pillar supporting the Bruins’ success. 

Powered by Mara’s career-high 22 points off the bench, UCLA men’s basketball (13-6, 4-4 Big Ten) edged past No. 18 Wisconsin (15-4, 5-3) by a score of 85-83. Along with a 7-for-7 shooting performance from the field, the Bruins’ kingpin reeled in five rebounds. 

“I commend Aday for having a great act,” said coach Mick Cronin. “Dealing with not playing in the last game and being ready tonight.” 

With the Bruins down by five heading into halftime, Mara provided 15 second-half points and two blocks in UCLA’s come-from-behind victory. However, the sophomore said he was most proud of his quartet of offensive rebounds. 

Despite UCLA’s transfer-heavy roster, returners Mara, sophomore guard Sebastian Mack and junior guard Dylan Andrews combined for 50 points.

“Aday – he’s been working nonstop,” Mack said. “For him to just come out and be ready for us when we needed it most, it was perfect.” 

Mack himself has consistently been ready whenever Cronin calls his number. He’s started just once this season, yet delivered his ninth double-digit performance of the campaign Tuesday – adding in four rebounds and two assists. 

“Coach is always going to put me in positions knowing the player that I am,” Mack said. “That’s why I came to UCLA.” 

The Bruins jumped out to an early six-point lead, largely thanks to a 5-for-5 shooting effort to begin the affair. The quick start was ignited by junior guard Tyler Bilodeau, who scored 10 of his 16 points in the first half. 

However, UCLA would only make three of their next 15 shots – and after an 8-0 Wisconsin run, it found itself down by six with 7:47 left in the first half. 

Seven minutes and 14 seconds later – with halftime creeping up on them – the Bruins crumbled to a nine-point deficit.

But after the Badgers went 10-for-18 on 3-pointers in the opening half, they were limited to a five in the second. 

With newfound defensive tenacity and a spark from Mara on offense, UCLA catapulted to an 11-1 run in the second half. The Bruins climbed to a nine-point lead with just under seven minutes left in the game – but an unyielding effort from the Badgers empowered them to claw back to within one twice over the match’s final 60 seconds. 

Junior forward William Kyle III’s block with nine seconds left all but sealed Tuesday’s game while junior guard Skyy Clark’s three free throws in the last six seconds officially finished the job. 

Despite a career-best performance, Mara is steadfast in his improvement. 

“After this, I’m going to the weight room,” Mara said. “Have dinner and then head to the weight room for a couple hours.”