Overview
- Michigan enters at 23-1 (13-1 Big Ten) with its best 24-game start and the No. 1 NET ranking, holding a two-game conference lead.
- Aday Mara, now a key Michigan starter after transferring from UCLA, is averaging 11.4 points, 6.9 rebounds and a Big Ten-leading 2.8 blocks.
- UCLA is 17-7 (9-4) after winning five of six, and coach Mick Cronin said top defender Skyy Clark might return from a hamstring injury.
- Tipoff is 12:45 p.m. ET at the Crisler Center on CBS, with BetMGM listing Michigan as a 16.5-point favorite and the total at 151.5.
- Bracket projections from CBS Sports place Michigan in No. 1 overall seed contention, making this game significant for league race and NCAA seeding.