Unable to mount a late-game comeback, the Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball team saw their seven-game winning streak come to a screeching halt as they fell to the UCLA Bruins 85-83 Tuesday night in Los Angeles.
Guard John Tonje delivered an outstanding performance, making 6-of-7 3s en route to scoring 24 points, but it wasn’t enough for the Badgers to beat a feisty UCLA squad. With 22 bench points from center Aday Mara, the Bruins capitalized on Wisconsin’s slow start to the second half and blaze on in what may be their best victory since joining the Big Ten.
Along with Tonje, Wisconsin guard John Blackwell aided a 23-point, four-rebound, four-assist game and continues to excel in what has been an impressive sophomore season.
But Blackwell, for as much offense he produced, was also responsible for four of Wisconsin’s 13 turnovers, which have plagued the Badgers this season.
Outside of Blackwell and Tonje, Wisconsin received little offensive contribution elsewhere.
Forward Steven Crowl was the only other Badger in double figures, with 11. Max Klesmit added 11, while Nolan Winter and Carter Gilmore each scored five points.
Mara’s 22 points, along with five rebounds, led UCLA, who was also aided by 19 points from guard Sebastian Mack. Forward Tyler Bilodeau added 16, while guard Skyy Clark chipped in 12.
Leading by five points at the half, 41-36, Wisconsin positioned themselves to continue their win-streak but faltered early in the second half for the third straight game. This time, the Badgers couldn’t hang on to their lead.
During the first five minutes of the second half, the Bruins took advantage of Wisconsin turnovers and sloppy offensive play, rattled off an 11-3 run and took a 47-44 lead. With UCLA reaching the bonus with 9:02 left, Wisconsin continued to struggle defensively, finding themselves in a nine-point hole with 6:59 remaining.
While the Badgers stayed resilient late in the game, they couldn’t do enough to contain the UCLA offense, which also was boosted by plenty of opportunities at the free-throw line. Still, trailing by only two points with 30 seconds left, Wisconsin had a chance to tie or take the lead. But Clark blocked Blackwell’s lane jumper, and UCLA put the final touches onto a hard-fought victory.
Wisconsin will look to avenge their loss on Sunday when they take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers at noon at the Kohl Center.
