Helena Frye
UCLA and the University of Michigan have faced off in men's basketball several times since their first matchup on December 28, 2002, with each team securing wins and suffering losses. UCLA's win over Michigan in March 2021 was particularly notable as it advanced them to the NCAA tournament Final Four for the first time since 2008. More recently, in January 2025, Michigan defeated UCLA 94-75, completing a West Coast sweep.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | March 30, 2021 |
| Winner | UCLA |
| Score | 51-49 |
| UCLA's rank | No. 11 seed |
| Michigan's rank | No. 1 |
| UCLA's record before the game | Lost four straight games |
| Michigan's record before the game | N/A |
| UCLA's record after the game | Won five straight |
| Michigan's record after the game | N/A |
| UCLA's next step | Advance to NCAA tournament Final Four |
| UCLA's coach | Mick Cronin |
| UCLA's players | Tyger Campbell, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Johnny Juzang |
| Michigan's players | Mike Smith, Franz Wagner |
| UCLA's previous best result | 2008 |
| Michigan's previous best result | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
UCLA beat Michigan 51-49 in the 2021 NCAA Tournament
The game was a back-and-forth battle, with UCLA leading by nine points in the second half before Michigan went on a quick 4-0 run. UCLA's Johnny Juzang, who was battling through a right ankle injury, limped off the floor with 17:17 left to play. Despite this, UCLA pulled off the win, thanks in part to Juzang's performance, which was described as "heroic."
The victory was especially significant for UCLA, as they had lost four straight games entering the tournament and were considered underdogs. The Bruins' coach, Mick Cronin, was in his first NCAA Tournament with the team, and they had lost their leading returning scorer, Chris Smith, after just eight games. Cronin's leadership and the team's resilience helped them overcome these challenges and advance to the Final Four.
UCLA's victory over Michigan also had broader implications for the Pac-12 conference, as it broke the record for the most upsets by a conference. The Bruins' win against the top-seeded Wolverines contributed to a season of upsets and close finishes, showcasing the competitive nature of college basketball and the unpredictability of the tournament.
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UCLA's Johnny Juzang scored over Michigan's Mike Smith
Juzang, a sophomore transfer guard, was instrumental in UCLA's win, delivering a stellar performance. He scored 18 points in the first half alone, showcasing his scoring prowess. His ability to shoot over Michigan's guards, specifically Mike Smith, was a pivotal moment in the closely contested match. With his team's season on the line, Juzang rose to the occasion, displaying resilience and determination.
Mike Smith, on the other hand, had a crucial role for the Wolverines as well. In the closing moments of the game, with six seconds left on the clock, Smith attempted a three-pointer that rimmed out, setting the stage for UCLA's triumph. While Smith's shot didn't fall, his all-around play and guard skills kept Michigan in contention throughout the game.
Juzang's overall performance in the tournament was remarkable, averaging 18 points per game over his last 15 games. His impact on the UCLA Bruins cannot be overstated, as he consistently delivered when his team needed him the most. His clutch gene shone through, and he became a household name in college basketball.
The game between UCLA and Michigan was a hard-fought battle that came down to the wire. While Juzang's scoring prowess and ability to rise above the defence were pivotal, it was a team effort that secured UCLA's victory and their advancement to the Final Four for the first time since 2008.
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UCLA's win in 2021 broke Pac-12 records
UCLA's win over the University of Michigan in March 2021 was a significant one for the Pac-12 Conference. By defeating the Wolverines 51-49, UCLA broke Pac-12 records for the most upsets by a conference. This win advanced UCLA to the NCAA tournament Final Four for the first time since 2008.
The game was a close one, with UCLA's Jaylen Clark knocking the ball out of bounds with just five-tenths of a second left on the clock. Michigan had one last chance to take the lead, but their final shot didn't fall, and UCLA held on for the victory. This win was especially impressive given that UCLA had lost four straight games entering the tournament and that Michigan was the top-seeded team in the East Regional final.
UCLA's success in 2021 can be attributed in part to the leadership of coach Mick Cronin, who, in only his second season, guided the team to the Final Four for the first time in his career. The Bruins' victory over Michigan was also notable for being their fifth straight win, including two overtime games and a last-second thriller.
The Pac-12 Conference, of which UCLA is a member, is a collegiate athletic conference in the Western United States. It participates at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I level and its football teams compete in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). The conference has a rich history of success, having won more NCAA national championships in team sports than any other conference. With UCLA's win over Michigan, the Pac-12 added to its impressive record of producing championship-winning teams.
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Michigan missed their last eight shots in the 2021 game
In a closely contested game, the Michigan Wolverines missed their last eight shots in the 2021 Elite Eight game against UCLA Bruins. The Wolverines' tournament run ended after they went the final 5:22 without a made field goal, shooting just 39.2% and going 3 of 11 from beyond the arc.
The Wolverines' senior leader, Isiah Livers, was out with a foot injury, which may have impacted their performance. They were also only able to make one of their five three-point attempts, and their nine turnovers proved costly. In the end, UCLA held on for a 51-49 victory, advancing to the Final Four for the first time since 2008.
Michigan's Mike Smith missed a pair of free throws with 1.2 seconds remaining in the game, which could have reduced their deficit. The Wolverines had another chance with six seconds left, but Smith's three-pointer rimmed out. With 0.5 seconds left, Franz Wagner took a contested three-pointer but couldn't convert, sealing UCLA's victory.
This game was particularly significant for UCLA, as they had lost their previous four games before the tournament and entered as underdogs. Their victory over the top-seeded Wolverines showcased their resilience and determination. For Michigan, the loss was disappointing, especially given their strong start to the season, where they won their first seven games and rose to No. 6 in the rankings.
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UCLA won 94-75 in their most recent game in January 2025
UCLA won their most recent game against the University of Michigan in January 2025, with a final score of 94-75. This game added another win to UCLA's record against Michigan, bringing it to 7 wins and 6 losses.
The game started with Michigan taking an early lead, outscoring UCLA 13-2 in the first four and a half minutes. UCLA suffered a scoring drought, prompting a timeout with Michigan leading 25-13. However, UCLA responded with a 6-0 run, narrowing the gap. By halftime, Michigan had a comfortable 47-37 lead.
The second half began with UCLA making a strong comeback, erasing Michigan's lead and taking the lead for the first time in the game, 52-51, with just under 14 minutes to play. UCLA's improved shooting performance, combined with crucial plays, helped them maintain a slim advantage. Michigan's scoring drought and turnovers allowed UCLA to stay in the game and gradually build a more substantial lead.
In the final minutes, Michigan attempted a late comeback, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit. UCLA's defensive efforts and key plays sealed their victory, showcasing their determination and resilience.
The win against Michigan is a testament to UCLA's ability to overcome challenges and their strong team dynamics. It highlights the players' individual and collective efforts, as well as the impact of their coach, Mick Cronin, who has been instrumental in the team's success and growth.
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Frequently asked questions
UCLA won 51-49.
Michigan won 94-75.
51-49.
94-75.
