Michigan's dominant "White Out" performance crushed UCLA, fueled by Aday Mara's revenge and relentless Wolverines' offense. A Valentine's Day massacre.
In a Valentine’s Day "White Out" at the Crisler Center, the No. 2 Michigan Wolverines (24-1, 14-1 Big Ten) gave their fans a performance to love, dismantling the UCLA Bruins 86-56. It wasn't just a win; it was a statement of dominance and a measure of personal vindication for Aday Mara, the former Bruin who helped anchor a relentless Michigan effort on both ends of the floor.
A Fast Start and a First-Half Surge
The energy in Ann Arbor was electric from the jump. Decked out in white, the Michigan faithful saw their team come out with the clinical efficiency that has defined the Dusty May era. Michigan’s ball movement was sublime, consistently finding the open man and forcing UCLA’s defense into a frantic scramble.
The first half saw Michigan build a comfortable cushion, though UCLA—fighting for its NCAA Tournament life—showed flashes of resistance. Bruins’ guard Donovan Dent tried to keep his team afloat, but Michigan’s defensive rotations were too crisp. The Wolverines’ "Big Three" of Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr., and Aday Mara imposed their will early, controlling the glass and protecting the rim with an intensity that UCLA simply couldn't match.
While UCLA went on a brief run to close the first half, cutting into what had been a larger lead, the momentum never truly shifted. Michigan headed into the locker room with the lead and the confidence that they were the deeper, more athletic squad.
The Aday Mara Revenge Game
The second half was where the rout truly began. For Aday Mara, this game carried extra weight. After a freshman season at UCLA where minutes were scarce under Mick Cronin, Mara has flourished in Ann Arbor. Today, he played like a man possessed. His rim protection (anchoring a defense that held UCLA to 38% shooting) and his ability to facilitate from the high post left the Bruins without answers.
Whenever UCLA tried to pack the paint, Elliot Cadeau and Tre Donaldson made them pay from the perimeter. Michigan shot a staggering 62% from the field, an absurd number that reflects the high-quality looks generated by Dusty May’s offensive system.
Closing the Door
The final ten minutes were a victory lap. Michigan’s depth was on full display as the lead ballooned to 30 points. Will Tschetter provided his signature spark off the bench, including a late driving layup that sent the "White Out" crowd into a final frenzy.
The defensive stats were perhaps the most telling:
• FG% Defense: Michigan held UCLA to just 38%.
• Assists: Michigan recorded 18 assists on their way to 86 points, showcasing the unselfishness of this roster.
• Turnovers: The Wolverines remained disciplined, limiting mistakes while forcing UCLA into 13 turnovers.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Michigan moves to 24-1, continuing the best start in program history. They have now swept the season series against the Bruins (following their 94-75 win in Los Angeles last season) and remain firmly in the driver’s seat for the Big Ten regular-season title.
The road doesn't get easier, as a trip to Mackey Arena to face Purdue looms on Tuesday. But if the Wolverines play with this level of cohesion and defensive bite, they look like a team destined for a #1 seed in March.