UCLA (19-8) vs Ohio State (15-12)
February 23, 2025 at 03:45 PM EST
The Line: Betting Odds: UCLA -6.5 — Over/Under: 139.5
The Ohio State Buckeyes and UCLA Bruins meet on Sunday in college basketball action at Pauley Pavilion. Here’s an Ohio State vs UCLA Prediction. This article will include an Ohio State vs UCLA Pick.
Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Preview
The Ohio State Buckeyes (15-12, 15-12 ATS) lost five of the previous seven games, including the last two to Michigan and Northwestern at home. Ohio State stayed home for the last three games but now will hit the road in three of the remaining four games of the regular season. The Buckeyes are currently 10th in the Big Ten with the same record as Nebraska.
Ohio State is averaging 78.8 PPG (69th) and is allowing 72.0 PPG (190th). The Buckeyes are getting 34.4 RPG (274th) and are having 13.1 APG (253rd). Bruce Thornton is the team’s top scorer with 17.1 PPG, along with a team-high 4.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, and 3.4 RPG. Devin Royal adds 13.6 PPG and a team-high 7.0 RPG, while John Mobley Jr. with 13.1 PPG and Micah Parrish with 12.5 PPG are also playing a vital role this season.
UCLA Bruins Betting Preview
The UCLA Bruins (19-8, 15-11-1 ATS) were on a positive run of seven victories but they did lose two of the last three games. Both of those defeats (to Illinois and Minnesota) were narrow, and now the Bruins will be looking to get at least three wins from the remaining four games. Right now, they are 6th in the Big Ten with a game behind Maryland, Wisconsin, and Purdue, so the situation in this conference is still wide open.
UCLA averages 75.0 PPG (163rd) and allows 64.7 PPG (23rd). The Bruins are 376th in rebounds (32.1) and 65th in assists (15.8). Tyler Bilodeau leads the team with 14.1 PPG and 4.5 RPG. Eric Dailey Jr. follows him with 11.3 PPG, 4.0 RPG, and 1.2 SPG, while Sebastian Mack chips in with 9.9 PPG, 2.0 RPG, and 1.0 SPG.
Why the UCLA Bruins will win
- UCLA has won 11 of its last 12 games at Edwin W. Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescon against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Ohio State has lost each of its last three day games.
Ohio State vs UCLA Prediction
UCLA won five of the previous six home games; the lone loss came to Minnesota, which was a quite surprising defeat, and I am sure the Bruins will bounce back with a W in this one. After all, UCLA is 13-2 at home this year, and considering how both teams are playing recently, I am willing to back the hosts to cover. UCLA covered 19 of the last 34 games, and the hosts are trying to find their way into the top four in the conference, while Ohio State will probably finish the regular season in the bottom half of the standings. Go with the Bruins in this clash.