The newly appointed 18th ranked Badgers came into Los Angeles looking for their eighth straight win, but turnovers and poor defense doomed them as they fell 83-85 to UCLA.
The Wisconsin offense was rolling early, but despite shooting a blistering 58% from the field and 55% from three in the first half, they went into halftime with just a five point lead. Seven turnovers, mostly self-inflicted, slowed the Badgers in what could have been a near perfect half offensively.
John Tonje came alive in this game after dropping a goose egg last week against USC. He was a perfect 5-for-5 from beyond the arc in the first half alone. The transfer finished with 24 points in a much needed rebound performance after disappearing last game. John Blackwell, as reliable as ever, added another 23 points in the loss.
In a clean half overall, the first free throw by either team didn't come until three minutes left in the first. The second half was another story as fouls were abound, including a few questionable calls. UCLA guard Sebastian Mack really got going in the second half, scoring 15 of his 19, and did most of his damage from the line. After going 18-for-21 for the game from the stripe, the Badgers still lead the nation in free throw percentage at 85%.
Size once again bothered the Badgers. 7-foot-3 UCLA sophomore Aday Mara was 7-for7 on the night and had a career high 22 points. It's been a recurring issue for Wisconsin this season as they continue to struggle stopping bigs down low. It's now safe to say that if you're a seven-footer playing Wisconsin, you're about to have the game of your life. The Badgers just simply don't have a true rim-protector on the roster and it's going to cost them.
UCLA opened the second half on an 11-3 run as the Badger's five point halftime lead was quickly erased. The turnovers continued into the second half and Wisconsin finished with 13 for the game. Despite shooting very well in this contest-- over 50% from the field-- they just couldn't overcome the mistakes.
The loss snaps a seven game win streak and brings the Badgers back down to earth. It was a game Wisconsin should have won, and a great offensive performance was wasted with poor defense and a lack of discipline. Wisconsin (15-4) will host Nebraska (12-6) next on the 26th.