Having been just a bit player in his 1½ college seasons, Aday Mara moved to the forefront Tuesday night.
In a massive way.
The 7-foot-3 center left a giant imprint all over what might have been UCLA’s most significant victory of the season.
Grabbing rebounds flatfooted, blocking shots and making every shot he took, Mara powered the Bruins to an 85-83 triumph over No. 18 Wisconsin at Pauley Pavilion, ending the Badgers’ seven-game winning streak while announcing that the Bruins could contend with an opponents’ size.
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It took another UCLA big man to finish the job.