The Wisconsin Badgers and the UCLA Bruins are set to clash tonight at Pauley Pavilion, marking another intense college basketball matchup on January 21, 2025, with tip-off scheduled for 9:30 PM ET. With Wisconsin riding high on a seven-game winning streak, they look to maintain their momentum against UCLA, who aims to build on their recent resurgence after snapping a four-game losing streak with a commanding victory over Iowa.
Wisconsin, ranked No. 18, enters this pivotal game with an impressive 15-3 overall record and 5-2 within the Big Ten. The Badgers are coming off a decisive 84-69 win against the USC Trojans, where sophomore guard John Blackwell was the star of the night. Blackwell scored 28 points on 10-of-16 shooting, displaying his scoring prowess and leadership on the court. “Setting the tone early is definitely key,” Blackwell emphasized after the game, underscoring his role as both playmaker and aggressive scorer.
Despite the brilliance of Blackwell, the Badgers may face challenges as Kamari McGee is listed as questionable for this evening’s encounter. McGee, known for his sharpshooting, especially from beyond the arc—where he boasts a remarkable 56.4% shooting percentage—has been invaluable to Wisconsin's success this season. The team will need to adapt quickly should he be unable to play, potentially calling on junior guard Camren Hunter, who remains out due to injury, and Jack Janicki to fill the void.
The Bruins, with a current record of 12-6 and 4-4 in conference play, are also eager to showcase their potential on their home court. Their latest performance against Iowa was nothing short of spectacular. UCLA not only won 94-70 but did so with incredible efficiency, shooting 62.1% from the field and prominently featuring team collaboration—recording 26 assists throughout the game. Such offensive prowess will be tested against Wisconsin’s disciplined defense.
Leading UCLA is forward Tyler Bilodeau, averaging 14.6 points per game and coming off strong performances, including against Iowa. Eric Dailey Jr. has also emerged as a reliable scoring option, and the Bruins will count on their depth to challenge the Badgers’ gameplay. They are hoping to capitalize on their ability to force turnovers, which has been central to many of their victories this season.
Competition is certainly heating up, as UCLA is the favorite tonight with the odds sitting at 3.5 points. Betters paying attention to the spread could note their strong performance historically as favorites at home, where they boast good records against the spread. Yet, this matchup presents its own challenges, as the Badgers have proven effective on the road with recent victories over Rutgers and USC.
This game is especially significant as it is the first Big Ten matchup ever between these two historic programs, each boasting unique legacies and passionate fanbases. The stakes are high not just for the win-loss column but also for future tournament standings as conference play progresses. Given both teams’ strengths, expect a high-octane offensive battle with plenty of shooting and strategy from both sides.
John Blackwell leads the charge for Wisconsin, aiming for his second consecutive stellar outing, and if he can rally his teammates—a feat certainly not out of reach—the Badgers could very well secure their eighth straight victory and fortify their spot within the Top 25. Conversely, the Bruins will look to continue their momentum, striving not to let Wisconsin's defense stymie their offensive rhythm.
For avid fans, the game will be broadcast on Peacock, making it accessible to viewers anxious to catch all the thrilling moments live. The buildup to tonight’s game is palpable, setting the stage for what promises to be one for the ages as the top talents from Wisconsin face off against the formidable UCLA Bruins.