Sebastian Mack provides the spark UCLA needs to win its first Big Ten game

Mack attack. The Return of Mack. The Mack strikes back.

Every nickname fit Sebastian Mack on Tuesday night as the UCLA guard came off the bench to cheer on his team every time it needed a boost in its first-ever Big Ten Conference game.

It wasn’t just Mack’s usual rushes to the basket that helped the Bruins fend off Washington and claim a 69-58 win at Pauley Pavilion.

The sophomore was also a stabilizing force with his rebounding and defense. He finished the game with 16 points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal as the Bruins (7-1) won their sixth straight game to face unbeaten Oregon in a road showdown on Sunday.

Mack’s three-pointer with 4 minutes, 13 seconds left gave UCLA an 11-point lead and thrilled the liveliest home crowd of the season. Forward Tyler Bilodeau contributed 16 points and nine rebounds and point guard Dylan Andrews contributed 12 points for the Bruins.

After Mick Cronin’s team beat virtually every non-conference opponent and UCLA’s wins came by an average of 33 points, the coach wanted to see if the same positive trends would continue in the Big Ten’s opening game.

Could the Bruins still be forcing turnovers at an absurd rate?

Could they make keeping score a chore?

Could they win comfortably?

No, yes and yes.

UCLA center Aday Mara celebrates after scoring a goal in the first half against Washington on Tuesday night.

(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

UCLA forced just 12 turnovers and made just 11 of 22 free throws, but won thanks to its usual stifling defense that limited Washington to 38.8% shooting. Forward Great Oobor scored 14 points for the Huskies (6-2), who made just three of 16 three-pointers (18.8%).

UCLA survived a sloppy stretch in which it went scoreless for more than six minutes to lead 29-24 at halftime. It looked like the Bruins would give Washington the same beating as their previous opponents when backup center Aday Mara made a rebound to cap a 12-0 run that gave UCLA a 23-12 lead. The 7-foot-3 Mara had been a big factor up to that point, collecting four points, three rebounds and two blocks in just seven minutes before picking up a second foul and being sent to the bench.

UCLA’s Dylan Andrews (right) grabs a rebound in front of Washington center KC Ibekwe and UCLA center Aday Mara during the first half.

(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

The Huskies countered with a 9-0 run that was due in part to UCLA turnovers. Andrews was a particularly serious offender, losing his dribble on one turnover and failing to get the ball upfield within five seconds on another.

UCLA was fortunate that Mack went on offense, repeatedly driving to the basket and getting fouled to help his team increase its slim lead.