Indiana Heads West for Historic Big Ten Clash with UCLA at Pauley Pavilion
For the first time in program history, Indiana basketball is heading to California for a Big Ten conference game - and it’s not just any road trip. The Hoosiers are stepping into the storied Pauley Pavilion to take on UCLA, a matchup that brings together two of the most tradition-rich programs in college basketball. Between them, they’ve hoisted 16 national championship banners - UCLA with 11, Indiana with five - and while it’s been a while since either program cut down the nets, the legacy still looms large.
This Saturday night showdown is the second meeting between the two schools as Big Ten members, and the first time Indiana has played UCLA in Los Angeles since 1960. That’s over 23,000 days since the Hoosiers last faced the Bruins on the West Coast. Safe to say, this one’s been a long time coming.
How to Watch
- Matchup: Indiana Hoosiers (14-7, 5-5 Big Ten) at UCLA Bruins (15-6, 7-3 Big Ten)
- Date: Saturday, Jan.
27
- Time: 9 p.m.
ET
- Location: Pauley Pavilion, Los Angeles, Calif.
- TV: Peacock (Guy Huberman, play-by-play; Matt Muehleback, analyst)
- Radio: IU Radio Network (Don Fischer, Errek Suhr, John Herrick)
- Betting Line: UCLA is a 3.5-point favorite; Over/Under set at 142.5 (FanDuel)
The Stakes
Both teams come into this one with momentum. Indiana is fresh off a statement win over No.
12 Purdue, a game that reminded everyone just how dangerous the Hoosiers can be when they’re locked in. Meanwhile, UCLA has quietly put together a strong stretch, winning five of its last six and sitting at 7-3 in the Big Ten - tied for fifth alongside Wisconsin and Purdue.
This game is more than just a battle of blue bloods - it’s a measuring stick. For Indiana, it’s a chance to prove that their recent win wasn’t a fluke and that they can travel across the country and still bring the same energy. For UCLA, it’s about protecting home court and continuing to climb the Big Ten standings.
Series Snapshot
The history between these two programs is rich, and while they haven’t met often, the matchups have been memorable. UCLA holds a slim 7-6 edge in the all-time series, with several of those games coming on the biggest stages - including two NCAA Tournament national semifinal clashes in the 1970s.
Here’s a quick look at some of the key moments in the series:
- 1937-1941: Indiana took the first three meetings, all before World War II.
- 1973 Final Four: UCLA beat Indiana 70-59 in St.
Louis in what would be John Wooden’s penultimate national title run.
- 1976 Final Four: Indiana returned the favor, knocking off UCLA 65-51 en route to completing the last undefeated national championship season in NCAA history.
- 1992 Regional Final: Indiana routed UCLA 106-79 to reach the Final Four, Bob Knight’s last trip that deep in the tournament.
- 2025 Big Ten Debut: UCLA edged Indiana 72-68 in Bloomington, the first meeting between the two as conference foes.
3 Things to Know Heading into Saturday
1. Mick Cronin Has UCLA Rolling
UCLA’s head coach Mick Cronin knows a thing or two about building tough, tournament-ready teams. The Cincinnati native has compiled a 514-240 career record, with 15 NCAA Tournament appearances under his belt.
His most notable run came in 2021, when he led the Bruins from the First Four all the way to the Final Four, falling to Gonzaga in an overtime thriller. Cronin’s teams are known for their defensive grit and balanced scoring - and this year’s group is no different.
2. Bruins Bring Balance Across the Board
UCLA doesn’t rely on just one guy to carry the load. Five different players are averaging double figures, and six different Bruins have led the team in scoring at least once this season.
Senior forward Tyler Bilodeau has emerged as the go-to option, averaging 18.2 points per game and leading the team in scoring in seven contests, including both wins last week over Northwestern and Oregon. But make no mistake - this team can beat you in a variety of ways.
3. The Big Ten’s West Coast Era Is in Full Swing
This matchup is part of Indiana’s first-ever Big Ten road trip to Los Angeles, a product of last year’s conference expansion that brought UCLA and USC into the fold. The Hoosiers hosted both LA schools last season, but now it’s their turn to make the trek west. After Saturday’s game at Pauley Pavilion, they’ll face USC on Tuesday night.
It’s not an easy swing. UCLA has been dominant at home in conference play, going 4-0 at Pauley so far. USC, despite some inconsistency, has the talent to make things difficult - though the Trojans are just 1-3 at home in Big Ten games.
Final Word
Saturday night’s game isn’t just a battle between two historic programs - it’s a glimpse into the evolving landscape of college basketball. Indiana and UCLA are now conference rivals, and every matchup carries weight in the Big Ten standings. With both teams trending upward, expect a high-level, high-intensity game in one of the sport’s most iconic venues.
Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. ET. If you’re a fan of college hoops history, high-stakes conference battles, or just good basketball, this is one you won’t want to miss.