Ohio State Defeats UCLA 86-74 in Exciting Matchup
Saturday, January 17, 2026, 1:00 PM ET · Schottenstein Center
Ohio State Buckeyes 86, UCLA Bruins 74, 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 UCLA Bruins vs Ohio State Buckeyes?
Ohio State Buckeyes beat UCLA Bruins 86-74 at Schottenstein Center on January 17, 2026.
Who was favored in UCLA Bruins vs Ohio State Buckeyes?
Ohio State Buckeyes were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -205 (about 67% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling encounter at the Schottenstein Center, the Ohio State Buckeyes secured a decisive 86-74 victory over the UCLA Bruins. This matchup was particularly significant as it marked a rematch from the previous season, where Ohio State had lost to UCLA 61-69 on February 23, 2025. The Buckeyes' win not only avenged that defeat but also showcased their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
Both teams entered the game with respectable records, Ohio State at 12-5 and UCLA at 12-6. However, their recent form revealed contrasting trajectories. Ohio State had a mixed record of 5-5 over their last ten games, with an average of 77.5 points scored and 74.7 points allowed. They were coming off a loss to the Washington Huskies, which marked their first defeat in a streak that had seen them win three of their last five games, averaging 76.8 points scored and 70.2 points allowed during that stretch. In contrast, UCLA had been on a roll, winning seven of their last ten games, with an impressive scoring average of 79.4 points while allowing 72.3 points. They entered this game on a two-game winning streak, having recently defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Maryland Terrapins.
When it came to home and away performances, Ohio State had a home record of 2-3 in their last five games, while UCLA boasted a perfect 5-0 record in their last five home games, although they were 2-3 in away games. This disparity highlighted Ohio State's need to leverage their home advantage in this matchup.
The market had Ohio State favored to win, with DraftKings setting the odds at -4.5 for the Buckeyes, while the total points line was set at 146.5. The moneyline odds were -205 for Ohio State and +170 for UCLA, indicating a strong belief in the Buckeyes' ability to secure the win.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but any absence of key players could have influenced the game dynamics. However, both teams appeared to be fielding their best available lineups, which contributed to the competitive nature of the match.
The game conditions were favorable for a high-scoring affair, with both teams demonstrating offensive prowess throughout the season. Ohio State's scoring was highlighted by several key plays in the second half, including free throws by Devin Royal and a driving layup by Donovan Dent, which helped to solidify their lead.
As the game progressed, Ohio State maintained control, showcasing their ability to execute under pressure. The Buckeyes' final scoring plays included a series of free throws and crucial layups, ultimately sealing the victory with a final score of 86-74. This win not only improved Ohio State's record but also provided a significant boost in confidence as they continue their season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | OSU -4.5 | 146.5 o -115 / u -105 | UCLA Bruins +170 · Ohio State Buckeyes -205 |
Leaders
- PointsJohn Mobley Jr.28Ohio State Buckeyes
- AssistsChristoph Tilly5Ohio State Buckeyes
- ReboundsDevin Royal9Ohio State Buckeyes
- PointsTyler Bilodeau30UCLA Bruins
- AssistsDonovan Dent7UCLA Bruins
- ReboundsTyler Bilodeau8UCLA Bruins
Recent form
Ohio State Buckeyes
Last 10: 5-5Streak L177.5 scored · 74.7 allowed per game2-3 at home
- L74-81at Washington HuskiesJan 11
- W72-62at Oregon DucksJan 9
- L69-72vs Nebraska CornhuskersJan 5
- W80-73at Rutgers Scarlet KnightsJan 3
- W89-63vs Grambling TigersDec 23
- L70-71vs North Carolina Tar HeelsDec 20
- W89-88vs West Virginia MountaineersDec 14
- L80-88vs Illinois Fighting IlliniDec 10
- W86-82at Northwestern WildcatsDec 6
- L66-67at Pittsburgh PanthersNov 29
UCLA Bruins
Last 10: 7-3Streak W279.4 scored · 72.3 allowed per game2-3 away
- W71-60at Penn State Nittany LionsJan 15
- W67-55vs Maryland TerrapinsJan 11
- L72-80at Wisconsin BadgersJan 7
- L61-74at Iowa HawkeyesJan 3
- W97-65vs UC Riverside HighlandersDec 23
- W108-87vs Cal Poly MustangsDec 20
- W90-77vs Arizona State Sun DevilsDec 18
- L72-82at Gonzaga BulldogsDec 14
- W74-63vs Oregon DucksDec 6
- W82-80at Washington HuskiesDec 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 | UCLA Bruins | Ohio State Buckeyes |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-62 | 28-53 |
| Field goal % | 40 | 53 |
| Three-pointers | 9-23 | 9-24 |
| Three-point % | 39 | 38 |
| Free throws | 15-19 | 21-25 |
| Free throw % | 79 | 84 |
| Rebounds | 27 | 37 |
| Offensive rebounds | 14 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 13 | 25 |
| Assists | 14 | 15 |
| Steals | 6 | 1 |
| Blocks | 4 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 5 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 5 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 16 | 28 |
| Fouls | 20 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 19 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 99 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half43-62Bruce Thornton makes driving layup
- 2nd Half44-62Jamar Brown makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-62Jamar Brown makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-63Christoph Tilly makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-63Tyler Bilodeau makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-63Tyler Bilodeau makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-63Eric Dailey Jr. makes 3-foot dunk
- 2nd Half49-66John Mobley Jr. makes 28-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half51-66Donovan Dent makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half51-67Christoph Tilly makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-68Bruce Thornton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-69Bruce Thornton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-69Tyler Bilodeau makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-69Tyler Bilodeau makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-71Amare Bynum makes 2-foot dunk (Gabe Cupps assists)
- 2nd Half55-71Tyler Bilodeau makes 17-foot jumper
- 2nd Half55-73Ivan Njegovan makes 9-foot hook shot (John Mobley Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half56-73Tyler Bilodeau makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-73Tyler Bilodeau makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-73Trent Perry makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-73Trent Perry makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-75John Mobley Jr. makes 19-foot jumper
- 2nd Half61-75Tyler Bilodeau makes 16-foot jumper
- 2nd Half61-76John Mobley Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-77John Mobley Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-77Eric Freeny makes layup
- 2nd Half65-77Brandon Williams makes layup (Donovan Dent assists)
- 2nd Half65-78Bruce Thornton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-79Bruce Thornton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-79Tyler Bilodeau makes 24-foot three point jumper (Trent Perry assists)
- 2nd Half68-80Amare Bynum makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-80Donovan Dent makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-80Donovan Dent makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-81Devin Royal makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-83Devin Royal makes layup (Christoph Tilly assists)
- 2nd Half70-84Devin Royal makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half71-84Tyler Bilodeau makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-84Tyler Bilodeau makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-86Christoph Tilly makes layup
- 2nd Half74-86Donovan Dent makes driving layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Ohio State Buckeyes, below favours UCLA Bruins.
Venue
- Schottenstein CenterColumbus, OH
- Attendance12937
- OfficialsMike Littlewood, Alfred Smith, Kelly Pfeifer
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond
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- Ohio State Dominates UCLA in Convincing WinNov 15, 2025