The recent clash between the Wisconsin Badgers and the UCLA Bruins on January 21, 2025, was nothing short of thrilling
1
! The game took place at the iconic Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, where the Bruins managed to pull off a nail-biting 85-83 victory over the No
1
. 18 ranked Badgers
1
. This win snapped the Badgers’ impressive seven-game winning streak and marked a significant turnaround for the Bruins, who had been struggling earlier in the season
2
.
The game was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams showcasing their offensive prowess
1
. Wisconsin’s senior guard John Tonje led the charge with an impressive 24 points, including six three-pointers
1
. His teammate, sophomore John Blackwell, also made a significant impact, contributing 23 points
1
. Despite their efforts, the Badgers couldn’t overcome UCLA’s resilience
1
.
On the other side, UCLA’s sophomore center Aday Mara had a breakout performance, scoring a career-high 22 points and grabbing five rebounds
2
. His stellar play, combined with 19 points from sophomore guard Sebastian Mack and 16 points from junior forward Tyler Bilodeau, propelled the Bruins to victory
2
. The Bruins’ defense was also crucial, forcing 13 turnovers from the Badgers and capitalizing on those opportunities
2
.
The game’s climax was intense, with Wisconsin rallying from an eight-point deficit in the final minutes
3
. Blackwell’s three-pointer with a minute left brought the Badgers within two points, but UCLA’s Mack made a crucial free throw to extend the lead
3
. In the final seconds, Tonje hit another three-pointer to bring Wisconsin within one point, but UCLA managed to hold on and secure the win
3
.
This victory was a significant morale boost for the Bruins, who had been struggling with a four-game losing streak earlier in the season
2
. It also showcased their resilience and ability to bounce back under pressure
2
. For Wisconsin, the loss was a tough pill to swallow, but it also highlighted their competitive spirit and determination.
If you’re interested in watching highlights from the game, you can check out this YouTube link
4
. It captures some of the most exciting moments and gives you a glimpse of the intense competition between these two teams.
Overall, the Wisconsin vs. UCLA matchup was a testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of college basketball. Both teams displayed exceptional skill and determination, making it a memorable game for fans and players alike.
Do you have a favorite team in this matchup?
1
The Associated Press – Sports | MSN
2
UCLA Bruins On SI | MSN
3
Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel | MSN
4
www.espn.com