UCLA Bruins Defeat Rutgers Scarlet Knights 72-59
Thursday, March 12, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · United Center
UCLA Bruins 72, Rutgers Scarlet Knights 59, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs UCLA Bruins?
UCLA Bruins beat Rutgers Scarlet Knights 72-59 at United Center on March 12, 2026.
Who was favored in Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs UCLA Bruins?
UCLA Bruins were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -675 (about 87% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the UCLA Bruins secured a 72-59 victory over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at the United Center. This win not only showcased UCLA's strength but also highlighted their recent form, which has seen them win two consecutive games, bringing their last ten-game record to 6-4. The Bruins averaged 79.7 points per game while allowing 75.9 during this stretch, demonstrating their offensive capabilities alongside some defensive vulnerabilities. In contrast, Rutgers, with a record of 5-5 over their last ten games, has also been on a two-game winning streak, averaging 72.2 points scored and allowing 75.1 points in that same span.
UCLA's performance at home has been particularly strong, with a home record of 5-1 in their last six games. Their scoring average at home has been impressive, with the Bruins scoring an average of 82.0 points while allowing 70.8 points in their last five home games. Rutgers, on the other hand, has struggled on the road, with a 3-3 record in their last six away games. Their scoring average has been slightly lower, at 74.8 points, while allowing 72.8 points.
In terms of previous meetings, this game marked the third encounter between the two teams, with the series now tied at 1-1. The most recent matchup prior to this game occurred on February 4, 2026, where UCLA dominated Rutgers with a score of 98-66. Their earlier meeting in the 2025 season saw Rutgers claim a 75-68 victory at home.
Injury updates were not provided in the block, so both teams appeared to be at full strength for this contest. The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had UCLA favored by 10.5 points, with a total set at 141.5. The Bruins were given a moneyline of -675, while the Scarlet Knights were at +490, indicating a strong belief in UCLA's ability to win this matchup.
The game conditions were typical for a neutral site, with both teams adjusting to the atmosphere of the United Center. Fans were treated to a competitive environment, and the game featured several scoring plays that highlighted the skills of key players. Notably, Lino Mark made significant contributions for Rutgers, finishing with a mix of free throws and jump shots, while Trent Perry and Eric Dailey Jr. also made crucial free throws down the stretch.
As the game progressed, UCLA maintained control, with their defense tightening in the second half, allowing them to pull away from Rutgers. The Bruins' ability to convert free throws in critical moments helped solidify their lead, showcasing their composure under pressure. Ultimately, UCLA's balanced scoring and strategic play led to a well-deserved victory, reinforcing their status as a formidable contender in the league.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UCLA -10.5 | 141.5 o -110 / u -110 | Rutgers Scarlet Knights +490 · UCLA Bruins -675 |
Leaders
- PointsTyler Bilodeau21UCLA Bruins
- AssistsDonovan Dent12UCLA Bruins
- ReboundsDonovan Dent10UCLA Bruins
- PointsLino Mark17Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- AssistsLino Mark5Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- ReboundsDarren Buchanan Jr.9Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Recent form
UCLA Bruins
Last 10: 6-4Streak W279.7 scored · 75.9 allowed per game5-1 at home
- W89-68at USC TrojansMar 8
- W72-52vs Nebraska CornhuskersMar 4
- L73-78at Minnesota Golden GophersFeb 28
- W81-62vs USC TrojansFeb 25
- W95-94vs Illinois Fighting IlliniFeb 22
- L59-82at Michigan State SpartansFeb 18
- L56-86at Michigan WolverinesFeb 14
- W77-73vs Washington HuskiesFeb 8
- W98-66vs Rutgers Scarlet KnightsFeb 4
- L97-98vs Indiana HoosiersJan 31
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Last 10: 5-5Streak W272.2 scored · 75.1 allowed per game3-3 away
- W72-67at Minnesota Golden GophersMar 12
- W74-62vs Penn State Nittany LionsMar 8
- L87-91at Michigan State SpartansMar 6
- W69-65at Maryland TerrapinsMar 1
- L72-79vs Washington HuskiesFeb 24
- L61-80at Minnesota Golden GophersFeb 21
- W85-72at Penn State Nittany LionsFeb 18
- W68-57vs Maryland TerrapinsFeb 15
- L68-80vs Nebraska CornhuskersFeb 7
- L66-98at UCLA BruinsFeb 4
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 37-3 | - | 19-1 |
| Nebraska | 28-7 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Michigan State | 27-8 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Illinois | 28-9 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Wisconsin | 24-11 | 5 | 14-6 |
| Purdue | 30-9 | 6 | 13-7 |
| UCLA | 24-12 | 6 | 13-7 |
| Ohio State | 21-13 | 7 | 12-8 |
| Iowa | 24-13 | 9 | 10-10 |
| Indiana | 18-14 | 10 | 9-11 |
| Minnesota | 15-18 | 11 | 8-12 |
| USC | 18-14 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Washington | 16-17 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Rutgers | 14-20 | 13 | 6-14 |
| Northwestern | 15-19 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Oregon | 12-20 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Maryland | 12-21 | 15 | 4-16 |
| Penn State | 12-20 | 16 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Rutgers Scarlet Knights | UCLA Bruins |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 22-58 | 23-60 |
| Field goal % | 38 | 38 |
| Three-pointers | 6-19 | 7-23 |
| Three-point % | 32 | 30 |
| Free throws | 9-10 | 19-23 |
| Free throw % | 90 | 83 |
| Rebounds | 30 | 40 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 28 |
| Assists | 14 | 18 |
| Steals | 5 | 7 |
| Blocks | 4 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 10 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 24 |
| Fouls | 17 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 15 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 6 | 91 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half29-36Eric Dailey Jr. makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Trent Perry assists)
- 2nd Half29-39Tyler Bilodeau makes 26-foot three point jumper (Trent Perry assists)
- 2nd Half29-40Trent Perry makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half29-41Trent Perry makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half31-41Emmanuel Ogbole makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Lino Mark assists)
- 2nd Half31-44Trent Perry makes 25-foot three point jumper (Donovan Dent assists)
- 2nd Half31-46Donovan Dent makes driving layup
- 2nd Half34-46Jamichael Davis makes 23-foot three point jumper (Darren Buchanan Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half36-46Darren Buchanan Jr. makes 8-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half36-48Skyy Clark makes driving layup (Donovan Dent assists)
- 2nd Half38-48Darren Buchanan Jr. makes 19-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half38-49Xavier Booker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half38-51Xavier Booker makes 1-foot dunk (Trent Perry assists)
- 2nd Half40-51Darren Buchanan Jr. makes driving layup (Tariq Francis assists)
- 2nd Half41-51Darren Buchanan Jr. makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half41-53Donovan Dent makes 10-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half42-53Tariq Francis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-53Tariq Francis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-55Donovan Dent makes driving layup
- 2nd Half43-57Eric Freeny makes driving layup (Donovan Dent assists)
- 2nd Half45-57Tariq Francis makes 17-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half48-57Dylan Grant makes 26-foot three point jumper (Lino Mark assists)
- 2nd Half48-59Jamar Brown makes layup (Donovan Dent assists)
- 2nd Half50-59Tariq Francis makes 14-foot floating jump shot (Emmanuel Ogbole assists)
- 2nd Half50-60Tyler Bilodeau makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-61Tyler Bilodeau makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-62Tyler Bilodeau makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-63Tyler Bilodeau makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-63Lino Mark makes driving layup (Tariq Francis assists)
- 2nd Half54-63Lino Mark makes driving layup
- 2nd Half54-66Tyler Bilodeau makes 23-foot three point jumper (Donovan Dent assists)
- 2nd Half55-66Lino Mark makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-66Lino Mark makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-67Trent Perry makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-68Trent Perry makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-69Eric Dailey Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-70Eric Dailey Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-70Lino Mark makes 9-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half59-70Lino Mark makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half59-72Donovan Dent makes 8-foot pullup jump shot
Win probability
Above the line favours UCLA Bruins, below favours Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
Venue
- United CenterChicago, IL
- Attendance16861
- OfficialsMike Littlewood, Edwin Young, Mike Reid
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