Indiana heads west this weekend for a Big Ten showdown with UCLA, marking the Hoosiers’ first trip to Los Angeles since the Bruins and Trojans joined the conference. The game tips off at the iconic Pauley Pavilion, and while this UCLA team might not be making national headlines, they’re still a group that can give opponents plenty of trouble-especially on their home floor.
Let’s break down what Indiana fans need to know heading into Saturday’s matchup, starting with UCLA’s most recent outing, a key statistical trend, and the player who’s been the engine for the Bruins all season.
Last Time Out: Bruins Cruise Past Oregon
UCLA’s most recent game was a 73-57 road win over Oregon-a result that looks solid on paper but comes with a bit of context. The Ducks are in a tailspin, sitting at 8-13 on the year and riding a seven-game losing streak. They’ve slipped toward the bottom of the KenPom rankings and haven’t been able to find any rhythm offensively.
Still, credit where it’s due: UCLA handled business. The Bruins didn’t need a spectacular performance to walk out of Eugene with a win.
They leaned on their defense, as they often do, to smother Oregon’s already struggling offense. On the other end, they were efficient enough to keep the Ducks at arm’s length throughout.
It wasn’t flashy, but it was effective-classic Mick Cronin basketball.
Defensive Identity: Grind It Out
If there’s one defining characteristic of this UCLA team, it’s how they control the tempo-especially on defense. The Bruins love to drag opponents deep into the shot clock, forcing them into uncomfortable, low-percentage looks late in possessions. It’s a strategy rooted in the Rick Pitino coaching tree, and Cronin has made it a trademark of his own.
That slow, grinding pace can frustrate teams that thrive in transition or rely on rhythm. For Indiana, a squad that prefers to get up and down the floor and push the tempo when possible, that could pose a real challenge.
Especially if the Hoosiers’ bench doesn’t provide a spark, fatigue could become a factor late in the game. The longer the possession, the more wear and tear sets in-and UCLA is happy to play the long game.
Player to Watch: Tyler Bilodeau
While point guard Donovan Dent might see the ball in his hands the most, Tyler Bilodeau is the guy who makes this Bruins offense go. The 6’9” forward has been their most consistent scorer all season, averaging 18.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. He’s been incredibly efficient, shooting over 52% from the field and a scorching 44.7% from three.
Bilodeau isn’t a player who’s going to break defenders down off the dribble. He does most of his damage off the ball-cutting, spotting up from deep, and operating around the high post.
His size and shooting touch make him a tough matchup, and he’s not afraid to initiate contact to get to the line. Defensively, he’s also a presence around the rim, providing some shot-blocking and altering looks in the paint.
Indiana will likely rotate a few different defenders on him-Tucker DeVries, Sam Alexis, and Reed Bailey could all see time matched up with Bilodeau. The key will be staying disciplined. He’s crafty, and if you’re too aggressive on contests, he’ll make you pay at the stripe.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t a vintage UCLA team, but that doesn’t mean they’re an easy out. They’re built to frustrate, to grind, and to capitalize on mistakes. Indiana will need to be sharp-especially in the halfcourt-if they want to come out of Pauley Pavilion with a win.
The Hoosiers have the talent to push the pace and dictate tempo, but if the Bruins succeed in slowing things down and making this a possession-by-possession battle, it could be a long night in L.A.