UCLA Edges Washington 65-60 Behind Aday Mara’s Career Night

SEATTLE — Sophomore center Aday Mara delivered a career-high performance Friday night, leading UCLA to a hard-fought 65-60 victory over Washington at Alaska Airlines Arena. Mara’s clutch plays in the final minutes helped the Bruins secure their third consecutive win.

With UCLA forward Tyler Bilodeau sidelined by an ankle injury after just three minutes, Mara stepped up with 12 points, seven rebounds and a career-best five blocked shots in 30 minutes of action. His two crucial baskets in the final two minutes proved decisive against a Washington team desperate for a home win.

“What he’s doing in these last couple of games is what he does every day in practice,” said UCLA point guard Dylan Andrews. “Aday’s a monster and I’m glad people are starting to see that.”

The Bruins (14-6 overall, 5-4 Big Ten) overcame a late Washington surge, with Mara collecting a loose ball for a jump hook that put UCLA ahead by six with 1:59 remaining. After Washington’s D.J. Davis hit a three-pointer, Mara answered with another jump hook to maintain a five-point lead.

Washington’s Zoom Diallo brought the Huskies within three with 41 seconds left, but Andrews sealed the win with a step-back three-pointer with 17 seconds remaining. “I just stepped back,” Andrews said, “and, man, thank God I got to see a shot go in.”

UCLA’s victory marked their first road win in the Big Ten since early December. The Bruins showed resilience despite Bilodeau’s absence, with Sebastian Mack contributing key plays including two three-pointers and a critical steal.

Washington (10-10, 1-8) suffered its sixth straight loss despite 19 points from forward Keion Brooks Jr. The Huskies struggled to contain Mara, who dominated against Washington’s physical front line.

UCLA coach Mick Cronin praised Mara’s development but noted room for improvement. “Sometimes he gets too cute and when he gets too cute, Washington had two, three guys on him,” Cronin said. “He’s just got to be confident and turn and score.”

The Bruins now turn their attention to Monday’s crosstown rivalry game against USC at the Galen Center, riding momentum from their recent three-game winning streak.