Aday Mara recorded his first career double-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocks as UCLA defeated USC 82-76 at Galen Center on Monday night.
Mara, making his first start of the season in place of the injured Tyler Bilodeau, helped the Bruins (15-6, 6-4) secure their fourth consecutive victory and fifth win in the last seven meetings against the Trojans (12-8, 4-5).
Eric Dailey Jr. led UCLA with 16 points and six rebounds, while Dylan Andrews added 12 points and a team-high six assists. The Bruins shot 55% from the field.
USC’s Rashaun Agee came off the bench to score a team-high 21 points, while Wesley Yates III contributed 19.
Sebastian Mack hit a crucial step-back 3-pointer with just over a minute remaining to give UCLA a four-point lead. He finished with 14 points on 4-of-7 shooting, including a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line.
Despite leading by as many as 12 points, UCLA had to fend off a late USC surge that cut the deficit to one with under two minutes remaining. Mack and teammates Skyy Clark and Lazar Stefanovic sealed the win with free throws in the closing seconds.
UCLA returns to Pauley Pavilion on Jan. 27 to face No. 16 Oregon. The game will tip off at 7:30 p.m. PT and air on FS1.
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Featured Image courtesy of Jan Kim Lim, UCLA Athletics
