UCLA Faces Former Bruin Aday Mara in Clash with No. 2 Michigan

The Bruins and Wolverines meet for the first time since Mara transferred from UCLA to Michigan.

Feb. 13, 2026 at 4:23am

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Saturday's game between UCLA and No. 2 Michigan in Ann Arbor will feature a reunion between the Bruins and former player Aday Mara, who transferred from UCLA to Michigan after last season. UCLA head coach Mick Cronin didn't seem sentimental about facing his former player, saying he's focused on scouting Michigan rather than Mara. The game is an important one in the Big Ten title race, with Michigan off to its best start in school history and holding a two-game lead in the conference standings.

Why it matters

This matchup between UCLA and Michigan has significant implications in the Big Ten title race, with the Wolverines currently leading the conference. It also adds an interesting personal element with Mara facing his former team after transferring, though UCLA's coach doesn't seem too concerned about that aspect.

The details

Michigan junior center Aday Mara, who stands 7-foot-3, transferred from UCLA to Michigan after last season. Mara averaged 5.0 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 11.5 minutes per game over two seasons at UCLA. He has been a key contributor for Michigan this season, averaging 11.4 points, 6.9 rebounds and a Big Ten-best 2.8 blocks per game. The Wolverines have been dominant on both ends of the floor, leading to their 23-1 record and two-game lead in the Big Ten standings.

  • Saturday's game will be the first meeting between UCLA and Michigan this season.
  • UCLA and Michigan will also play at Michigan State on Tuesday.

The players

Aday Mara

A 7-foot-3 junior center who transferred from UCLA to Michigan after last season.

Mick Cronin

The head coach of the UCLA Bruins basketball team.

Dusty May

The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“Another game, buddy. That's life in the portal. Like, when you ask me about stuff like that, I'll give you an honest answer.”

— Mick Cronin, UCLA Head Coach (statenews.net)

“We still have a lot of difficult games down the stretch. We're trying to stay in the moment, not predict what's going to happen next and figure out solutions.”

— Dusty May, Michigan Head Coach (statenews.net)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This matchup between UCLA and Michigan highlights the impact of the transfer portal in college basketball, with Aday Mara facing his former team after leaving UCLA. It also showcases the Wolverines' dominance this season as they look to secure the Big Ten title, while UCLA is fighting to improve its NCAA Tournament positioning.