UCLA Bruins guard Kobe Johnson (0) dribbles the ball against Wisconsin Badgers guard Kamari McGee (4) during the first half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

UCLA men upsets No. 18 Wisconsin in pivotal Big Ten clash

By Austen Bundy | Last updated Jan 22, 2025 12:15 AM ET

It's rare to see a day where UCLA men's basketball pulls off an upset over a ranked opponent, not because the Bruins don't do it often but because they're typically the ranked team fending off upset bids.

However, Tuesday night UCLA found itself at home with an 85-83 win over No. 18 Wisconsin as the buzzer sounded.

The win was a statement to the rest of the Big Ten Conference that despite its struggles, the team will not go quietly this season.

UCLA pulls off the BIG win at home against No. 18 Wisconsin @UCLAMBB pic.twitter.com/PiIGVk0Drc
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) January 22, 2025

Sophomore Aday Mara had himself a breakout game, leading the team with 22 points off the bench and proving head coach Mick Cronin's squad is still deep and deadly.

UCLA (13-6) has now won two straight contests after losing five of its last six, an uncharacteristic stretch for the illustrious program.

Wisconsin (15-4) had its seven-game winning streak snapped but has an opportunity to get right with five games against unranked opponents ahead before three straight massive contests against Top 20 foes.

Both programs will surely threaten in the Big Ten as the season progresses and own resumes that should see them easily into the field of 68 for the NCAA Tournament in March.

Austen Bundy

Austen Bundy is a journalist and sports junkie from the Washington, D. C. area

More must-reads: