UCLA vs Ohio State Picks and Predictions for Saturday, January 17, 2026
UCLA vs Ohio State Information
The UCLA Bruins will be on the road Saturday afternoon with a 1:00 PM match-up in Columbus, OH, against the Ohio State Buckeyes. UCLA has 12 wins and 5 losses this season, coming into this matchup having won 3 of the last 5, including 2 in a row after an 11-point road victory against Penn State. The Ohio State Buckeyes return home Saturday with eleven wins and five losses this season, having dropped two of the last three overall after a 7-point road loss to Washington in their last outing. Stay in the news with our College Basketball Picks.
UCLA Preview
The UCLA offense has carried the team this season, averaging 78.4 points on 40% shooting from the floor. Defensively, the Bruins have been top-tier, holding opponents to 68.5 points per game this season and allowing an average of 60 points per game over their last three victories. Tyler Bilodeau leads the UCLA offense this season, averaging 17.7 points per game. Skyy Clark is second on the team, averaging 13.5 points in just under 30 minutes per game. Donovan Dent averages 12.3 points to go along with a team-leading 6.4 assists per game. Trent Perry averages 11.5 points, while big man Eric Dailey Jr. averages 10.4 points and leads the way, pulling in 5.6 rebounds per game.
Ohio State Preview
Offensively, Ohio State has been one of the better teams in the conference this season, averaging 83 points on 50% shooting, but the Buckeyes have averaged 71.5 points per game over their last two losses. Defensively, Ohio State has held its own this season, allowing 71.9 points per game, but has allowed an average of 76.5 points per game in its last two losses. Bruce Thornton leads the Ohio State offense this season, averaging 20.5 points and 3.9 assists per game. Big man Devin Royal is second on the team, averaging 13.9 points, to go along with the team-leading 6 rebounds. John Mobley Jr. averages 13.8 points, and Christoph Tilly is averaging 12.4 points per game this season.
UCLA vs Ohio State Prediction
Both teams have been a little bit of a rough patch as of late, as each comes into Saturday having lost two of their last four overall. Look for Ohio State to use its edge on offense and its home fans in this game. Take Ohio State to get it done as they end their recent skid, with a win and cover at home against a good UCLA team Saturday afternoon. Final Score Prediction, Ohio State Buckeyes win and cover 83-74.
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Best Picks:
- Ohio State Buckeyes ATS
- Over
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