Predicting UCLA's Next 5 Matchups

Looking ahead, how Bruins could fare over next 5 dates.

Dec 23, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Tyler Bilodeau (34) is defended by UC Riverside Highlanders forward Dylan Godfrey (23) in the second half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Bruins had a rough previous five-game stretch, in turn this means these next five games will be intergal to the Bruins season. Lets get right into it.

Game 16: vs Maryland Terrapins (Jan. 10, Home)

Jan 2, 2026; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins guard Darius Adams (1) drives to the basket on Oregon Ducks forward Kwame Evans Jr. (10) during the second half at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images | Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

After two straight losses the Bruins need to figure things out. Lucky for them there is a five-day gap in between games, that should give them enough times to regroup. This game could prove to be make or break for the Bruins, they need to win.

David Coit could make things hard for the Bruins. This season he is averaging 13.3 points, 2.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists while shooting 41.5% from the field. While not that imposing the Bruins still need to slow him down.

Prediction: 76-63 UCLA

Game 17: vs Penn State (Jan. 14, Away)

Jan 6, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions guard Melih Tunca (9) reacts to a foul call during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Bryce Jordan Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images | Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

Penn State, like Maryland, provides an ample opportunity for UCLA to finally get the ball rolling. ESPN projects that UCLA has a 78.5% chance of winning, not bad odds to say the least. However, UCLA will need to fix some of their issues for this to be a clean win.

The Bruins need to worry about Kayden Mingo who has easily been the Nittany Lions best player. This season Mingo is averaging a good 14.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.5 assists while shooting an excellent 48.5% from the field.

Game 18: vs Ohio State (Jan. 17, Away)

Ohio State Buckeyes guard John Mobley Jr. (0) reacts following the NCAA men's basketball game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus on Jan. 5, 2026. Ohio State lost 72-69. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Ohio State is the most challenging opponent so far for the Bruin, and for good reason to. After back-to-back wins UCLA will have to make it three. This won't be easy as the Bruins have a 42.1% chance of winning this matchup.

With how the Bruins have played lately, a win here might not be realistic. Especially, since they will have to face Bruce Thornton, who is averaging 20.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting an incredible 58% from the field.

Prediction: 86-74 Ohio State

Game 18: vs Purdue (Jan. 20, Home)

Dec 29, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers guard Giacarri Harris (24) dribbles the ball during the second half against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images | Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

Easily the biggest test for the Bruins since their game against now No. 1 Arizona earlier in the season. If the Bruins are able to win this one, all losses prior become slightly less irrelevant. This added motivation should be able to push the Bruins over the top. However not likely.

The Bruins need to worry about Trey Kaufman-Renn, who is the anti-Bruin, as he has been great at everything UCLA has lacked. This season, he is averaging 13.8 points and 9.8 rebounds while shooting 57.8% from the field.

Prediction: 98-90 Purdue

Game 19: vs Northwestern (Jan. 24, Away)

Jan 3, 2026; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats guard Max Green (10) defends Minnesota Golden Gophers guard Langston Reynolds (6) during the first half at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

After falling to Purdue the Bruins need to be in win now mode, or the Bruins season could effectively be over. The Bruins have a very good shot at bouncing back, as they currently have a 78.4% chance of winning this one. UCLA's stars will have to peform well.

The Bruins still need to watch out for Nick Martinelli, who has been incredible this season, is averaging 23.0 points and 6.5 rebounds while shooting a very good 58.2% from the field. Tyler Bilodeau will have to play a massive part in slowing him down.

Prediction: 82-69 UCLA

Dec 23, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin reacts on the sidelines in the second half against the UC Riverside Highlanders at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Bruins should be able to round this five game stretch off 3-2, not good, but this is the Big Ten, no game is a granted. It would be nice to see an upset here and there but overall this team does not have what it takes.

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