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St. Louis Today
By the People, for the People
Michigan's Aday Mara Dominates First Half Against Saint Louis
Wolverines center puts on a show with highlight-reel plays in NCAA Tournament matchup
Mar. 21, 2026 at 5:18pm
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Michigan basketball's Aday Mara was a force to be reckoned with in the first half of the NCAA Tournament game against Saint Louis on Saturday. The junior center recorded 10 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 blocks, making several impressive plays that had the internet buzzing.
Why it matters
Mara's dominant performance helped Michigan build a 48-39 lead at halftime over a tough Saint Louis team. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways will be crucial if the Wolverines want to advance deep into the tournament.
The details
Mara made several highlight-reel plays, including a beautiful backward layup off a cross-court pass, a crafty move to fake out Saint Louis star Robbie Avila, and multiple blocked shots. He was a force at both ends of the floor, showing off his all-around skill set.
- The game was played on Saturday, March 21, 2026 in Buffalo, New York.
The players
Aday Mara
A junior center for the Michigan Wolverines basketball team who dominated the first half against Saint Louis with his scoring, rebounding, passing and shot-blocking.
Robbie Avila
A star player for the Saint Louis basketball team who was held to just 3 points in the first half against Michigan.
Dusty May
The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines basketball team.
What they’re saying
“Mara was pretty much everywhere in the first half of the NCAA Tournament game against Saint Louis on Saturday in Buffalo, N.Y.”
— Tony Paul, Author
What’s next
The second half of the Michigan-Saint Louis NCAA Tournament game will determine which team advances to the next round.
The takeaway
Aday Mara's standout first-half performance showcased his versatility and dominance, giving Michigan a crucial lead heading into the second half. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways will be key if the Wolverines want to make a deep tournament run.
