UCLA vs Ohio State Prediction 1/17/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a UCLA vs Ohio State prediction for this College Basketball game on Saturday, January 17th at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

UCLA Bruins Betting Preview

The UCLA Bruins are 12-5 (4-2) this season after they defeated Penn State by a score of 71-60 in their last game. UCLA led 29-23 at halftime and they added 42 points in the second half for the double-digit win. The Bruins shot 43% from the field, 38% on three pointers, and 100% on free throws in the game. Trent Perry led UCLA with 30 points and four assists, while Tyler Bilodeau added 21 points and nine rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, UCLA defeated Maryland by a score of 67-55, but lost to Wisconsin by a score of 80-72 before that. The Bruins have scored 78.4 points per game with 32.5 rebounds and 15.8 assists per game, while they have allowed 68.5 points against per game this season. Tyler Bilodeau is averaging 17.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, while Skyy Clark is averaging 13.5 points and 2.8 rebounds per game for the Bruins. UCLA is shooting 47.9% from the field, 75.9% on free throws, and 36.7% on three pointers this season. 

Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Preview

The Ohio State Buckeyes are 11-5 (3-3) this year after they lost to Washington by a score of 81-74 in their last game. Ohio State led 38-36 at halftime, but they were outscored 45-36 in the second half for the loss. The Buckeyes shot 43% from the field, 32% on three pointers, and 87% on free throws in the game. Bruce Thornton led OSU with 28 points and four rebounds, while Amare Bynum added 20 points and four rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Ohio State defeated Oregon by a score of 72-62, but lost to Nebraska by a score of 72-69 before that. The Buckeyes have scored 83.1 points per game with 36.6 rebounds and 16.2 assists per game, while they have allowed 71.9 points against per game this season. Bruce Thornton is averaging 20.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, while Devin Royal is averaging 13.9 points and 6.0 rebounds per game for the Buckeyes. Ohio State is shooting 49.8% from the field, 78.7% on free throws, and 34.1% on three pointers this year. 

Why the Ohio State Buckeyes will win

• Ohio State has won each of its last seven home games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the UCLA Bruins will win

• UCLA has won 16 of its last 18 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Ohio State has lost six of its last seven day games against the Big Ten Conference.
• Ohio State has lost the first half in four of its last five games against the Big Ten Conference at Value City Arena at Schottenstein Center.

Total Points Facts

• Each of the last four day games between UCLA and Ohio State have produced a total of 147 or fewer points.
• Twelve of UCLA’s last 14 day games against the Big Ten Conference have produced a total of 147 or fewer points.

UCLA vs Ohio State Prediction 

Ohio State has lost two of their last three games, but they will look to turn things around at home here. The Buckeyes are shooting 50% from the field, but they played a very poor second half against Washington in their last game. UCLA has split their last four games, but they are just 1-2 in their last three road games. The Bruins are shooting 48% from the field and they only average 32.5 rebounds per game. I don’t like how UCLA has played on the road this year and I think Ohio State will get back on track, so give me the Buckeyes to cover here.

David Racey's Pick: Ohio State -4.5