Michigan is one of the best teams in the nation. They're one of the favorites to win the NCAA tournament for a reason. They possess a great defense and offense and play very balanced basketball. This will be a true test to see where this UCLA Bruins team is at. It is no secret that the Bruins have played below expectations this year. 17-7 is a good record for many schools, but not for UCLA. There have been multiple games this season that they should not have lost. Cal and Indiana are two that you can name off the top of your head.
Bracketology 2/9/26
— Southwest Region Bracketology (@SWRBracketology) February 9, 2026
Saint John's looking to hold onto a 5-seed tonight; Louisville can possibly move up to a 6 with a win tonight
First Four Out: Miami (FL), Virginia Tech, SDSU, UNM
Next Four Out: Ohio State, VCU, TCU, Seton Hall pic.twitter.com/kaPrvqlnJS
Michigan is 22-1 on the season and 12-1 in Big Ten play. Their lone loss on the season came in an upset against Wisconsin. The Wolverines balanced offense includes nine different players who can score in double digits. They have eight players who scored at least seven points per game. Including a former Bruin that was at the heart of many conversations this past offseason. That would be Aday Mara, who UCLA has struggled to replace. The big man is averaging 11.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. While blocking 2.3 shots per game as one of the best defenders in the country.
Did the Bruins make a mistake by not utilizing Aday Mara correctly?
UCLA has struggled to find consistency at the center position. Leading to many believing Mara was used wrong by Mick Cronin. The Bruins will now need to find a way to attack him on defense. Michigan is an elite defense that can block shots and affect passing lanes. Yaxel Lendeborg their leading scorer at 14.3 points per game, also blocks 1.4 shots and has 1.3 steals per game. Putting offenses in tough positions to get success.
Career-high points ☑️
— Michigan Men's Basketball (@umichbball) February 10, 2026
Career-high threes ☑️
Career-high field goals ☑️ pic.twitter.com/OAtt6mgcmw
UCLA at 17-7 on the season will need to pick up at least one win in this next three game stretch. A stretch that includes three top 10 opponents. That would put them into the NCAA tournament most likely if they can win the USC matchups and Minnesota. Getting them to 21 wins on the season. As they still have Nebraska on the schedule as well. If UCLA drops all three that would give them a tough time getting to 20 wins and possibly on the outside looking in. Things are about to get real for this team.