Fri Mar 14 19:10:00 UTC 2025: **No. 5 Wisconsin Badgers Face No. 4 UCLA Bruins in Big Ten Tournament Showdown**

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The No. 5 Wisconsin Badgers and No. 4 UCLA Bruins will clash in a highly anticipated Big Ten Tournament matchup on Friday, March 14th at 1:30 PM ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The game will air on the Big Ten Network.

This marks the first-ever postseason meeting between these two programs, with UCLA holding a commanding 6-2 series lead, including victories in their two previous neutral-site encounters. The Bruins won the last meeting, 85-83, in Los Angeles earlier this season.

Wisconsin enters the tournament with a 24-8 record, their 11th-highest win total in program history and third-highest under Coach Greg Gard. Their strong season includes a 16-8 record against top-tier opponents (Quadrant 1 and 2 of the NET rankings). The Badgers’ success is partly attributed to their strong performance in neutral-site games (9-2 over the last two seasons), a feat surpassed only by Auburn and UConn. Tyler Winter is a key player to watch for Wisconsin, having recently scored 18 points on only five shot attempts.

UCLA boasts a 22-9 record and has won 11 of their last 14 games. Their strengths include a strong scoring defense (65.1 ppg) and a high turnover margin (+4.5). Big Ten All-Defensive Team selection, Jaylen Johnson, and his impressive steal numbers will be crucial for UCLA’s defensive efforts. Offensively, guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. leads the Bruins in scoring. The Bruins’ bench has also been a significant contributor, outperforming opponents in 22 of their 31 games this season.

The previous matchup between these teams saw Wisconsin’s offense excel, but they ultimately fell short due to turnovers and defensive struggles against UCLA’s reserves. This time around, Wisconsin will hope to improve on those areas, particularly their defense against UCLA’s center, Aday Mara. The return of Max Klesmit from injury will also be a boost for Wisconsin.

The game promises a compelling clash of styles, with Wisconsin’s strong recent defensive performance and UCLA’s balanced attack and strong turnover margin setting the stage for a closely contested battle.

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