In a game that the Bruins needed to win to get their season back on track and have any realistic chance at an elite finish in the Big Ten, they fell flat once more.
Another terrible first half led to another failed comeback for UCLA during an 80-72 loss to Wisconsin on Tuesday night at the Kohl Center, leaving the Bruins in search of answers that seem elusive.
There was a dustup with 10 seconds left when UCLA’s Eric Dailey Jr. pushed Wisconsin’s Nolan Winter after absorbing a hard foul, forcing a scrum of players to congregate along the baseline. Winter was assessed a flagrant-1 foul and Dailey a technical foul that was offset by a technical foul on Badgers guard Nick Boyd.
About the only thing to celebrate for the Bruins was not giving up.
Thanks to a flurry of baskets from Dailey and a three-pointer from Trent Perry that broke his team’s 0-for-14 start from long range, UCLA pulled to within 63-56 midway through the second half. Making the Bruins’ rally all the more improbable was that much of it came with leading scorer Tyler Bilodeau on the bench with four fouls.
But Wisconsin countered with five consecutive points and the Bruins (10-5 overall, 2-2 Big Ten) never mounted another threat on the way to a second consecutive loss.
Dailey scored 18 points but missed all five of his three-pointers, fitting for a team that made just one of 17 shots (5.9%) from long range. Bilodeau added 16 points and Perry had 15.
Boyd scored 20 points to lead the Badgers (10-5, 2-2), who won in large part by their volume of three-pointers, making 10 of 30 attempts (33.3%) from beyond the arc.
Unveiling a turnover-choked, defensively challenged performance, UCLA played as if it were trying to top its awful first-half showing against Iowa from three days earlier.
It didn’t help that the Bruins were shorthanded from tipoff.
With Clark unavailable, UCLA coach Mick Cronin turned to Perry and pivoted to a smaller lineup featuring forward Brandon Williams alongside Bilodeau as the big men.
For the opening 10 minutes, it felt like a repeat of Wisconsin’s blowout victory over UCLA during the Big Ten tournament last March. The Badgers made seven of 11 three-pointers on the way to building a 20-point lead midway through the first half as Cronin continually tinkered with his lineup, trying to find a winning combination.
It never came.
He tried backup center Steven Jamerson II for a little more than a minute before yanking him after Jamerson committed a foul. He put in backup guard Jamar Brown and took him out after Brown gave up a basket and fumbled a pass out of bounds for a turnover. Backup guard Eric Freeny got his chance as well and airballed a three-pointer.
Wisconsin surged ahead with an early 13-0 run and nearly matched it with a separate 11-0 push. The Bruins then lost Perry for the rest of the first half after he hit his chin while diving for a loose ball, pounding the court in frustration with a balled fist before holding a towel firmly against his injured chin during a timeout. (He returned in the second half with a heavy bandage.)
Just when it seemed as if things couldn’t get worse, they did. Williams limped off the court with cramps late in the first half and the Bruins failed to box out Wisconsin’s Andrew Rohde on two possessions, leading to a putback and two free throws after he was fouled on another putback attempt.
UCLA almost seemed fortunate to be down only 45-31 by the game’s midpoint, though being on pace to give up 90 points couldn’t have pleased a coach known for defense.
Another comeback that came up short didn’t make things any better.
MANCHESTER United midfielder Mason Mount has found love.
I can reveal that the England international was seen with his arm around marketing executive Jordan Porter on a family trip to Lapland in Finland over the Christmas period.
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Mason Mount has gone public with his new girlfriend Jordan PorterThe Manchester United player was seen with his arm around Jordan on a family trip to LaplandCredit: supplied
It is understood that the couple met through Mason’s pal Ben Harris who is engaged to Jordan’s sister Jodie.
A source said: “Mason and Jordan have been friends for a long time after being introduced through Ben.
“Family is important to Mason so having Jordan on the Lapland trip meant a lot.
“Mason’s performance on the pitch has also improved so it looks like Jordan is a keeper.”
Mason shared a snap of himself with his arm around Jordan at Lapland with his 5.6million followers last month.
The footie ace also posted a glimpse of two red stockings under his Christmas tree, embroidered with an M for Mason and J for Jordan. His brother Lewis also shared a picture of their family to his 16,600 Instagram followers.
Mason was pictured next to Jordan and with his arm around his dad Tony.
The pair were first linked in February 2024 when they were both pictured with a group of friends at the v.
Mason and Jordan also joined Ben and Jodie on their trip to Ibiza in July.
Jordan is Head of Experiences for London-based event planning service, GP Management, and grew up in South East London.
Mason had previously stated that football was his number one priority over finding loveCredit: Getty
Asked about his relationship status, he said: “Football is my priority.”
It sounds like Jordan is his new No1.
Tim’s scored Ad
MOVIE star Timothee Chamalet is a huge football fan, supporting both Chelsea FC and French club AS Saint-Etienne – and now I can reveal he has been signed up by sports giant Adidas to film a huge World Cup ad.
The actor, who is dating Kylie Jenner, shot a top-secret campaign last month in Barcelona alongside Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny, ex of Kylie’s sister Kendall, and British Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham.
A source tells me: “Adidas bosses were chuffed to bring Timothee on to the ad and paid a lucrative fee.
“It is believed the film will drop during the lead-up to the World Cup.”
Timothee has recently been on an epic press tour for his latest flick Marty Supreme, while mostly donning movie merch.
He’ll have to mix that up once the ad drops.
Jossa is strong for family
JACQUELINE JOSSA is determined to start 2026 in strong spirits, despite a probe into online death threats against her.
EastEnders actress Jacqueline Jossa had been sent menacing messages on social mediaCredit: BBC
But Jac who shares two daughters with husband Dan Osborne, is focusing her energy on her family and work.
A source said: “She trusts the police to investigate. She is not changing her routine and she is still fulfilling her commitments with family and work.
“She is very calm and content in the knowledge the police are dealing with it.”
Jacqueline posted Instagram snaps with the children and Dan in London’s Covent Garden last month.
She wrote: “I love this time of year so much. I love the age the kids are now. They are older but the magic is still here, it’s just different.”
It comes as the actress, who plays Lauren Branning in Albert Square, feared for her character when the soap’s top boss called her in for a meeting last year.
Of the flash-forward episode that aired on New Year’s Day, she said: “It’s always scary when you get called up to a meeting.
It’s either, ‘You’re going to be thrown off the roof of the Vic’ or it’s just a catch-up.”
Leo’s worry
LEONARDO DiCAPRIO says the film industry is “changing at lightning speed”.
The Hollywood star has bemoaned documentaries vanishing from cinemas and the fact viewers prefer to watch on streaming services.
In The Times’ Culture Mag, he added: “Do people still have the appetite?
“Or will cinemas become silos, like jazz bars?”
Tina will Corrie on
Tina O’Brien signed her new Coronation Street contract just before Christmas, it can be revealedCredit: Getty
CORRIE star Tina O’Brien has signed a new contract keeping her on the cobbles for another year.
The star, who began playing Sarah Platt in 1999, had a tough 2025, splitting from her husband Adam Crofts – father of her son Beau – after seven years of marriage.
Tina who also has daughter Scarlett with her former co-star Ryan Thomas, then revealed in November her beloved dad Steven had died.
A Corrie source said: “Tina had a very difficult 2025, so bosses wanted to reassure her there was nothing to worry about where her job was concerned. She put pen to paper just before the Christmas break.
“Obviously, there have been a lot of changes over the last few months and the last thing they wanted was for her to worry about her role on Corrie.
“She is very much adored on set and her character has got some big things coming up this year.”
Hopefully, 2026 is off to a better start . . .
Hannah Hope’s annual 2026 showbiz calendar
Cynthia Erivo and the Wicked: For Good cast will be hoping to triumph at the Golden Globe AwardsCredit: Getty
JAN: Dust off your sequins as 2026 season kicks off with the 83rd Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles on January 11.
Comedian Nikki Glaser will return as host, with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in the running for gongs for their roles in Wicked: For Good, while Kpop Demon Hunters are up for their catchy track, Golden.
Rock band All Time Low will begin the UK leg of their Everyone’s Talking Tour on January 20 in Glasgow.
FEB: For the first time in its history, The Brit Awards will be heading up north to Manchester on February 28.
Jack Whitehall is back as host with pop star Tate McRae rumoured to perform at the star-studded show at the city’s Co-op Live Arena.
Fresh from the Strictly final, West End star Amber Davies will return to the stage as Elle Woods in the Legally Blonde musical at Leicester’s Curve Theatre on February 7.
The 2026 Grammys will hit Los Angeles on February 1 at the Crypto.com Arena.
Britain’s brand new boyband December 10 will release their debut single. The band consists of Cruz 19, Danny, 17, Hendrick, 19, John, 17, Josh, 17, Nicolas, 16, and Sean, 19.
Wolf Alice will be performing at the Teenage Cancer Trust Gigs at London’s Royal Albert HallCredit: Alamy
MAR: After the success of her album West End Girl, Lily Allen is set to kick off her album tour in Glasgow on March 2.
Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals returns in May for a nationwide tourCredit: BBC/Ray Burmiston
MAY: Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals returns in dazzling style.
Fans can see 11 pros – including Vito Coppola and Nancy Xu – take to the dance floor for the ultimate night out.
The nationwide tour, which travels around the country throughout May, kicks off at the Globe Theatre in Stockton-on-Tees on April 29.
Meanwhile, the glamour of the South of France will come alive with the 79th edition of The Cannes Film Festival on May 12.
JUN: A Glastonbury-shaped hole will be filled with the Isle of Wight Festival.
Lewis Capaldi, Calvin Harris and The Cure form the incredible line-up for the four-day festival which starts on June 18.
Following the global success of Wicked, pop star Ariana Grande will return to the stage for The Eternal Sunshine Tour, which begins on June 6 at the Oakland Arena in California.
Lewis Capaldi will perform at the Isle of Wight Festival with Glastonbury taking a year outCredit: Getty
JUL: Michael Bublé proves he does not just defrost for the festive season – as he headlines Blenheim Palace Festival in Oxfordshire on July 4.
Rapper Pitbull – aka Mr Worldwide – returns to the UK with special guest Kesha on July 10 for BST Hyde Park in London.
Lewis Capaldi will also be performing at the festival on July 11 and 12.
AUG: All Points East in London’s Victoria Park will see our favourites Zara Larsson, PinkPantheress and Lorde headline the festival on August 22.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe runs for three weeks from August 7, filling the city with the best theatre, comedy and music.
Zara Larsson will be performing at All Points East in London’s Victoria ParkCredit: Getty
SEP: The 31st National Television Awards will see your fave soap stars battle it out to be crowned the winner on September 8 at London’s O2 Arena.
Meanwhile the 2026 Emmy Awards are set to take place on September 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The nominations will be revealed on July 8.
Watch it
The long awaited sequel to The Devil Wears Prada is one of the films to look forward to in 2026Credit: Getty
ANNE HATHAWAY and Meryl Streep return in The Devil Wears Prada 2 on May 1.
Valentine’s Day just got even more romantic as Margot Robbie stars alongside Jacob Elordi in a new adaptation of Wuthering Heights, which is out on February 13.
Supergirl: Woman Of Tomorrow starring Milly Alcock will hit cinemas on June 26.
Buzz, Woody, Jessie and the gang return in Toy Story 5 on June 19.
Cillian Murphy stars in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple which is out on January 14.
Deadly attack comes as Gaza government media office says Israel violated ceasefire 875 times since it began in October.
Israeli forces have killed at least two Palestinians in the Gaza Strip as Israel continues to violate a ceasefire agreement and block desperately needed humanitarian aid to the war-ravaged coastal enclave.
The Palestinian news agency Wafa reported on Monday that two people were killed after Israeli troops opened fire in the Shujayea neighbourhood of eastern Gaza City.
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Their deaths bring the total number of Palestinians reported killed in Gaza over the past 24 hours to at least 12, including eight whose bodies were recovered from the rubble in the territory.
The Gaza City attack is the latest in hundreds of Israeli violations of a United States-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which came into effect on October 10.
Gaza’s Government Media Office on Monday condemned Israel’s “serious and systematic violations” of the truce, noting that the Israeli authorities had breached the ceasefire 875 times since it came into force.
That includes continued Israeli air and artillery attacks, unlawful demolitions of Palestinian homes and other civilian infrastructure, and at least 265 incidents of Israeli troops shooting Palestinian civilians, the office said in a statement.
At least 411 Palestinians have been killed and 1,112 others wounded in Israeli attacks on Gaza since the ceasefire began, it added.
Worsening shelter conditions
Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of Palestinian families displaced by Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza continue to grapple with a lack of humanitarian supplies, including adequate food, medicine and shelter.
As the occupying power in Gaza, Israel has an obligation under international law to provide for the needs of Palestinians there.
But the United Nations and other humanitarian groups say it has systematically failed to allow unimpeded deliveries of aid into Gaza.
The situation has been worsened by a series of winter storms that have pummelled the Strip in recent weeks, with rights groups saying Israel’s refusal to allow tents, blankets and other supplies into Gaza is part of its genocidal policy and threatening Palestinian lives.
On Monday, the Gaza Government Media Office said that only 17,819 trucks entered the territory out of the 43,800 that were supposed to be allowed in since the ceasefire came into effect in October.
That amounts to an average of just 244 trucks per day – far below the 600 trucks that Israel agreed to allow into Gaza daily under the ceasefire agreement, the office said.
On Monday, a spokesperson for UN chief Antonio Guterres reiterated the call “for the lifting of all restrictions of the entry of aid into Gaza, including shelter material”.
“Over the past 24 hours, and despite the ceasefire, we have continued to receive reports of air strikes, shelling and gunfire in all five governorates of Gaza. This has resulted in reported casualties and disruptions to humanitarian operations,” Stephane Dujarric said.
He said that the UN’s humanitarian partners are working to address the significant shelter needs, particularly for displaced families living in unsafe conditions.
“Our partners continue to work to improve access to dignified shelter for approximately 1.3 million people in Gaza in the past week, about 3,500 families affected by storms are living in flood prone areas,” he said.
Dujarric said that aid deliveries have included tents, bedding sets, mattresses and blankets, as well as winter clothing for children, but the needs remain overwhelming.
Palestinians struggle with flooding after heavy rain hits the Bureij refugee camp in Gaza City [File: Moiz Salhi/Anadolu]
The appeals come a day after the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza said that a lack of drugs and other healthcare supplies was making it difficult to provide care to patients.
Nearly all of Gaza’s hospitals and healthcare facilities were attacked during Israel’s two-year bombardment of the territory, damaging at least 125 facilities, including 34 hospitals.
The Israeli army has killed at least 70,937 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly women and children, and injured 171,192 others since its genocidal war began in October 2023.
