February 14, 2026, 7:05 a.m. ET
Today’s highly anticipated matchup features Michigan basketball taking on UCLA in what has been dubbed “The Aday Mara Bowl.” The Wolverines, boasting an impressive nine-game winning streak, recently staged a remarkable comeback against Northwestern after trailing by 16 points. With a strong defensive effort and an offensive surge that included 11 consecutive made shots, Michigan secured a decisive 87-75 victory over the Wildcats.
As No. 2 Michigan (23-1, 12-1 Big Ten) prepares to clash with UCLA (17-7, 9-4 Big Ten), the game is set to kick off at 12:45 p.m. ET at the Crisler Center and will be broadcast on CBS. A focal point of the game will be center Aday Mara, a towering 7-foot-3 talent from Zaragoza, Spain, who began his college career with the Bruins before transferring to Michigan. Wolverines head coach Dusty May successfully convinced Mara that he would thrive in Michigan’s system, drawing parallels to his predecessors Vladislav Goldin and Danny Wolf who excelled last season.
UCLA coach Mick Cronin commented on Mara’s journey but indicated his focus remains on the entire Michigan team rather than solely on his former player. “Another game, buddy, that’s life in the portal,” Cronin said to reporters.
For fans eager to catch the action, here’s what you need to know:
– **Game Time:** Saturday, February 14, 12:45 p.m. ET
– **Location:** Crisler Center, Ann Arbor, MI
– **Broadcast:** CBS and radio coverage on WWJ-AM (950 in Detroit) and WWWW-FM (102.9 in Ann Arbor)
– **Streaming:** Available on Fubo and Paramount+
In terms of predictions, Detroit Free Press writer Tony Garcia notes that if Mara were still with UCLA, the matchup would likely be more balanced. While UCLA’s Bilodeau is expected to face a challenge from Michigan defenders, the Wolverines’ dominant play inside could give them an advantage. Garcia predicts a final score of Michigan 86, UCLA 73, as the Wolverines aim to rally for Mara and continue their winning momentum.
As they look ahead, Michigan has a challenging schedule in the coming weeks, including games against Purdue, Duke, Minnesota, and Illinois. The team’s determination and competitive spirit are key as they strive to maintain their dominance in the Big Ten Conference.