- Matchup: UCLA Bruins vs. Ohio State Buckeyes
- Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Venue: Value City Arena, Columbus, OH
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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This Saturday, the Ohio State Buckeyes (11-5) will aim to secure a victory against the UCLA Bruins (12-5) at Value City Arena.
In their latest game, the UCLA Bruins emerged victorious over Penn State, claiming a 71-60 win. UCLA concluded the game shooting 42.6% from the field (20 of 47) and made 10 of 26 attempts from three-point range. They excelled at the free-throw line, sinking 21 of 21 attempts at a perfect 100%. The Bruins secured 31 rebounds, including 11 offensive boards, and recorded 14 assists while forcing 10 turnovers from their opponents and making 4 steals. On the defensive end, UCLA limited Penn State to a 43.5% shooting performance from the field, allowing 20 of 46 attempts. Penn State managed 12 assists and 5 steals but struggled with rebounds, totaling 21 (6 offensive, 15 defensive) without any blocks. They performed well at the free-throw line, finishing 94.1% by hitting 16 of 17 attempts, and their three-point shooting was less impressive at 4 of 22. The game saw UCLA commit 15 fouls against Penn State’s 17.
Trent Perry contributed notably in the matchup, scoring 16 points on 50% shooting (5 of 10) while playing 35 minutes and grabbing 6 rebounds, along with 2 assists.
The UCLA Bruins come into this matchup with a record of 12-5 for the season. They average 10.4 turnovers and commit approximately 17.5 fouls per game. As a unit, UCLA secures 32.5 rebounds per game and has racked up a total of 268 assists this season, ranking 122nd in Division 1. The team is shooting 36.7% from three-point territory (124 of 338) and 75.9% at the free-throw line. They score an average of 78.4 points per game, placing them 150th in Division 1 while hitting 47.9% from the field.
Defensively, the Bruins force opponents into 13.9 turnovers per game while committing 19.6 fouls. They limit rivals to 29.4% shooting from beyond the arc and rank 64th nationally in points allowed per game at 68.5. UCLA’s defense allows a field goal percentage of 41.9% (392 of 936), and they concede about 32.2 rebounds each game. The Bruins are 193rd in college basketball for assists given up, allowing 231 on the season.
In their previous outing, the Ohio State Buckeyes suffered a defeat against Washington, ending the game at 81-74. Ohio State allowed Washington a total of 27 rebounds (8 offensive). They shot 33.3% from three-point range, making 6 of 18, and finished the night 19 of 23 from the charity stripe (82.6%). Washington shot 50.0%, making 28 of 56 field-goal attempts against the Buckeyes. In contrast, Ohio State managed to hit 27 of 63 from the field for 42.9%, making 7 of 22 three-point attempts (31.8%) and 13 of 15 free throws for a successful 86.7%. Washington committed 14 fouls, giving the Buckeyes 15 free-throw attempts. Ohio State recorded 10 turnovers and 4 steals while gathering 20 defensive and 15 offensive rebounds for a total of 35.
Bruce Thornton shone for the Buckeyes in the match, scoring 28 points with 9 of 17 shooting (52.9%) while collecting 4 rebounds and dishing out 3 assists over 37 minutes on the court.
The Buckeyes have a record of 11-5 this season. Offensively, Ohio State is boasting a shooting percentage of 49.8%, ranking them 22nd nationally. They have scored a total of 1,330 points this season, averaging 83.1 points per game. They average 36.6 rebounds and assist each other 16.2 times per game (81st in the country), while turning the ball over 10.9 times per game and committing 17.4 fouls. Ohio State has shown impressive efficiency at the free-throw line, hitting 78.7%.
On the defensive side, the Buckeyes are ranked 143rd in the country for points per game allowed at 71.9. They force 11.1 turnovers per game and allow opponents to shoot 41.8% from the field (83rd in the nation). Ohio State limits three-point shooting to 29.4% (116 of 394) and allows teams to convert 73.6% of free-throw attempts. They also give up 12.9 assists and 31.6 rebounds per game, ranking 140th and 49th in those respective categories defensively.
Who will prevail in tonight’s NCAA matchup against the spread?
Pick: Bet on Ohio State
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