Ohio State Buckeyes vs. UCLA Bruins: Preview, Betting Odds, How to Watch

Author:
Zach Dimmitt
Dec 15, 2023 7:28 PM EST

In this story:

The Ohio State Buckeyes are taking on the UCLA Bruins for a non-conference battle at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Saturday at the CBS Sports Classic.

Ohio State (8-2) fell 83-80 to the Penn State Nittany Lions in the second game of Big Ten play on Dec. 9, and have had a week off to rest.

UCLA (5-3) has had a week off as well after scoring a season-low 56 points in a loss to Villanova last Saturday.

The Bruins have had two tight losses to ranked teams in Marquette and Gonzaga but also barely beat UC Riverside in a 66-65 win on Nov. 30. UCLA has been a bit inconsistent this season compared to usual standards but Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann isn't underestimating Mick Cronin's group one bit.

"Big, physical," said Holtmann. "They've got a terrific front line, great size...They rebound it well. Probably as good of a defensive team as we'll play all year, certainly the best defensive team we'll have played up until this point."

The Bruins are led by freshman guard Sebastian Mack, who is averaging 13.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists this season. Down low, forward Adem Bona is posting 13.1 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game this season.

UCLA and Ohio State are two big collegiate brands, and Holtmann appreciates what will be the 10th all-time meeting between the two schools. The Bruins lead the series 6-3.

"You're talking about blueblood basketball programs," Holtmann said. "There's great value in us as a program aligning ourselves with that ... It's always good teams, it's always good competition."