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NCAAB · Final

Wisconsin Badgers Defeat UCLA Bruins 80-72

Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · Kohl Center

Wisconsin Badgers 80, UCLA Bruins 72, 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 Wisconsin Badgers?

Wisconsin Badgers beat UCLA Bruins 80-72 at Kohl Center on January 6, 2026.

Who was favored in UCLA Bruins vs Wisconsin Badgers?

Wisconsin Badgers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -192 (about 66% implied). The favorite won.

In a tightly contested matchup, the Wisconsin Badgers secured a victory against the UCLA Bruins with a final score of 80-72 at the Kohl Center. This game was noteworthy as both teams entered with identical records of 10-5, making the outcome significant for their respective seasons.

The Badgers had a mixed performance in their recent games, holding a record of 5-5 over their last ten outings. They were coming off a loss to the Purdue Boilermakers, where they fell 73-89 on January 4. In their last five games, Wisconsin averaged 73.4 points scored while allowing 75.2 points, indicating a struggle on the defensive end. At home, they maintained a solid record of 5-1, but their away performance was less impressive, with an 0-4 record. The Badgers averaged 78.5 points scored and allowed 78.0 points in their last ten games, showcasing their offensive capabilities but also their defensive vulnerabilities.

On the other hand, the Bruins entered the game with a stronger record of 7-3 in their last ten games, although they were also coming off a loss against the Iowa Hawkeyes, where they lost 61-74 on January 3. UCLA's scoring average over their last ten games was 82.1 points, while they allowed 70.2 points, reflecting a more balanced performance compared to Wisconsin. The Bruins had a perfect home record of 6-0 but struggled on the road, with a 1-3 record away from home. In their last five games, they averaged 85.6 points scored and 77.0 points allowed, highlighting their offensive prowess.

Historically, this matchup had been evenly contested, with both teams holding a 1-1 record in their previous meetings during the 2025 season. Wisconsin had previously lost to UCLA 83-85 on January 22, 2025, but had triumphed in their most recent encounter on March 14, 2025, winning 86-70. This backdrop added an extra layer of intensity to the game, as both teams sought to assert their dominance in this rivalry.

In terms of injuries, there was no specific mention of key players missing for either team, which allowed both squads to field their strongest lineups for this important fixture. The conditions at the Kohl Center were conducive to a competitive game, with a lively crowd supporting the Badgers, who were favored by 3.5 points according to DraftKings. The total points line was set at 152.5, reflecting expectations for a high-scoring affair.

As the game unfolded, Wisconsin's ability to execute in critical moments became evident. Key scoring plays included Nick Boyd's driving layup that pushed the Badgers' lead to 80-69 late in the second half. Boyd also contributed significantly at the free-throw line, making crucial shots that helped seal the victory for Wisconsin. Despite UCLA's efforts to close the gap, including Donovan Dent's pull-up jump shot that brought the score to 76-67, the Badgers maintained control in the final minutes.

Overall, this matchup showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with Wisconsin ultimately emerging victorious. The Badgers' win probability was solid at 1.0 by the end of the game, indicating their dominance in this particular contest. The result not only improves Wisconsin's standing but also sets the stage for both teams as they continue their seasons.

Odds

BookSpreadTotalMoneyline
DraftKingsWIS -3.5 152.5 o -112 / u -108 UCLA Bruins +160 · Wisconsin Badgers -192

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

  • PointsNick Boyd20Wisconsin Badgers
  • AssistsNick Boyd5Wisconsin Badgers
  • ReboundsNick Boyd8Wisconsin Badgers
  • PointsEric Dailey Jr.18UCLA Bruins
  • AssistsDonovan Dent7UCLA Bruins
  • ReboundsTyler Bilodeau9UCLA Bruins

Recent form

Wisconsin Badgers

Last 10: 5-5Streak L178.5 scored · 78 allowed per game5-1 at home

  • L73-89vs Purdue BoilermakersJan 4
  • W80-60vs Milwaukee PanthersDec 31
  • W88-61vs Central Michigan ChippewasDec 23
  • L66-76at Villanova WildcatsDec 20
  • L60-90at Nebraska CornhuskersDec 11
  • W96-76vs Marquette Golden EaglesDec 6
  • W85-73vs Northwestern WildcatsDec 4
  • L63-74at TCU Horned FrogsNov 28
  • W104-83vs Providence FriarsNov 27
  • L70-98at BYU CougarsNov 21

UCLA Bruins

Last 10: 7-3Streak L182.1 scored · 70.2 allowed per game1-3 away

  • 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
  • L72-80at California Golden BearsNov 26
  • W86-46vs Presbyterian Blue HoseNov 22
  • W79-48vs Sacramento State HornetsNov 19

Standings

TeamOverallGames behindIn conference
Michigan37-3-19-1
Nebraska28-7415-5
Michigan State27-8415-5
Illinois28-9415-5
Wisconsin24-11514-6
Purdue30-9613-7
UCLA24-12613-7
Ohio State21-13712-8
Iowa24-13910-10
Indiana18-14109-11
Minnesota15-18118-12
USC18-14127-13
Washington16-17127-13
Rutgers14-20136-14
Northwestern15-19145-15
Oregon12-20145-15
Maryland12-21154-16
Penn State12-20163-17

Box score

StatUCLA BruinsWisconsin Badgers
Field goals28-6125-55
Field goal %4645
Three-pointers1-1710-30
Three-point %633
Free throws15-2320-27
Free throw %6574
Rebounds3532
Offensive rebounds96
Defensive rebounds2626
Assists1114
Steals34
Blocks30
Turnovers108
Team turnovers11
Technical fouls00
Technical fouls, total00
Flagrant fouls12
Points off turnovers911
Fast-break points129
Points in the paint3626
Fouls2121
Largest lead120
Lead changes22
Time in front196

How the scoring went

  1. 2nd Half38-53Nolan Winter makes free throw 2 of 2
  2. 2nd Half38-54Nick Boyd makes free throw 2 of 2
  3. 2nd Half39-54Donovan Dent makes free throw 2 of 2
  4. 2nd Half39-55Nolan Winter makes free throw 1 of 2
  5. 2nd Half39-56Nolan Winter makes free throw 2 of 2
  6. 2nd Half40-56Trent Perry makes free throw 1 of 3
  7. 2nd Half41-56Trent Perry makes free throw 2 of 3
  8. 2nd Half42-56Trent Perry makes free throw 3 of 3
  9. 2nd Half44-56Eric Dailey Jr. makes 2-foot dunk
  10. 2nd Half45-56Donovan Dent makes free throw 1 of 2
  11. 2nd Half45-58John Blackwell makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
  12. 2nd Half47-58Eric Dailey Jr. makes driving layup (Donovan Dent assists)
  13. 2nd Half49-58Eric Dailey Jr. makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
  14. 2nd Half49-60John Blackwell makes 0-foot tip in layup
  15. 2nd Half51-60Eric Dailey Jr. makes layup
  16. 2nd Half53-60Eric Dailey Jr. makes 16-foot turnaround jump shot
  17. 2nd Half53-63Jack Janicki makes 24-foot three point jumper (John Blackwell assists)
  18. 2nd Half56-63Trent Perry makes 25-foot three point jumper (Donovan Dent assists)
  19. 2nd Half56-66Andrew Rohde makes 24-foot three point jumper (John Blackwell assists)
  20. 2nd Half56-67John Blackwell makes free throw 1 of 2
  21. 2nd Half56-68John Blackwell makes free throw 2 of 2
  22. 2nd Half57-68Tyler Bilodeau makes free throw 2 of 2
  23. 2nd Half57-70John Blackwell makes 22-foot jumper
  24. 2nd Half57-72Nick Boyd makes 11-foot turnaround jump shot
  25. 2nd Half59-72Tyler Bilodeau makes 2-foot dunk
  26. 2nd Half61-72Tyler Bilodeau makes layup (Trent Perry assists)
  27. 2nd Half61-74Nolan Winter makes layup (Nick Boyd assists)
  28. 2nd Half63-74Eric Dailey Jr. makes 7-foot pullup jump shot
  29. 2nd Half64-74Trent Perry makes free throw 1 of 2
  30. 2nd Half65-74Trent Perry makes free throw 2 of 2
  31. 2nd Half65-75John Blackwell makes free throw 1 of 2
  32. 2nd Half65-76John Blackwell makes free throw 2 of 2
  33. 2nd Half67-76Donovan Dent makes 20-foot pullup jump shot
  34. 2nd Half67-77Nick Boyd makes free throw 1 of 2
  35. 2nd Half69-77Donovan Dent makes driving layup
  36. 2nd Half69-78Nick Boyd makes free throw 2 of 2
  37. 2nd Half69-80Nick Boyd makes driving layup
  38. 2nd Half70-80Tyler Bilodeau makes free throw 1 of 2
  39. 2nd Half71-80Tyler Bilodeau makes free throw 2 of 2
  40. 2nd Half72-80Tyler Bilodeau makes free throw 1 of 2

Win probability

Above the line favours Wisconsin Badgers, below favours UCLA Bruins.

Venue

  • Kohl CenterMadison, WI
  • Attendance13644
  • OfficialsEarl Walton, Mike Reed, Jeffrey Anderson

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Fixture data from the league feeds. The report was written from the recorded facts for this game and nothing else.