Bruins' Dynamic Post Duo Starting to Bud in Final Stretch

The UCLA Bruins have started to develop a dangerous post duo with junior forward Tyler Bilodeau and sophomore center Aday Mara. The pair found success in their last outing and will look to keep it going in the final stretch of the season.

Jan 21, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins center Aday Mara (15) is greeted by guard Kobe Johnson (0) during the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The UCLA Bruins (19-7, 10-5) are beginning to find success with a dangerous duo in the post, featuring top scorer, junior forward Tyler Bilodeau and budding star sophomore Aday Mara. The pair are looking like a productive 1-2 punch in the paint, looking to cause issues for opposing big men.

On Monday, Bilodeau spoke about what it has been like to play alongside Mara and the chemistry that the pair have brought in recent games. Mara's playing time has risen significantly over the past few games, giving the two more of a chance to play together.

"It's a lot of fun playing with Aday," Bilodeau said. "I think it's great playing playing with him, I think it adds like [a] little different perspective on on our team. He's so talented in there offensively and then defensively, he brings a huge presence in the paint. It makes my job a lot easier, so it's really fun playing with him."

Mara has transformed his game compared to his freshman season. He is averaging career highs in almost every category: points (5.8), rebounds (3.7), blocks (1.5), field goal percentage (58.6%) and minutes played (12.4). The Spain native may be the biggest surprise this season for UCLA.

With Bilodeau standing at 6-9, he is rarely the tallest starter on the floor and can be at a disadvantage on the boards despite his 4.5 rebounds per game. Adding Mara to the mix gives Bilodeau a lesser load on the glass while the 7-3 center can chip in with some key rebounding.

Not to mention the pick and roll game that can be created between the two. Bilodeau is so talented in space with the ball in his hands and has already shown a liking for those drop-down passes to Mara for a slam dunk. Keep an eye on these two when they enter the floor together this week.

The Bruins will battle the Minnesota Golden Gophers (13-12, 5-9) on Tuesday night at Pauley Pavilion, seeking their 20th overall win of the year. With the Gophers being a veteran team with strong size, expect Bilodeau and Mara to play in tandem together with a chance for another productive night.

Ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @UCLAInsideronSI and @tcav30 and never miss another breaking news story again.

Please let us know your thoughts when you like our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.