UCLA Rides Momentum into Key Big Ten Clash with Indiana
There’s a surge of energy building in Westwood, and it’s not just about the new football hire. UCLA men’s basketball is heating up at just the right time. Winners of three straight, the Bruins are set to host Indiana this afternoon at Pauley Pavilion, and the stakes are rising with every possession.
At 15-6 overall and 7-3 in Big Ten play, UCLA is starting to resemble the team fans hoped they'd see earlier in the season. That upset win over No.
4 Purdue? It might just have been the spark that flipped the switch.
And now, with a chance to stretch their win streak to four, the Bruins are looking to keep that momentum rolling against a tough Hoosiers squad that’s also finding its stride.
Indiana comes in at 14-7 (5-5 Big Ten) and, like UCLA, they’re fresh off a statement win over Purdue. That victory not only boosted Indiana’s confidence but also cracked the Big Ten race wide open.
Purdue had been the clear frontrunner, but recent losses have turned the conference into a free-for-all. Michigan, Nebraska, Michigan State, Illinois-there’s a logjam at the top, and every game feels like it could shift the standings.
That’s what makes this matchup so intriguing. It’s not just another conference game-it’s a tone-setter. A win here puts UCLA in a stronger position heading into the back half of the Big Ten schedule, while Indiana is trying to claw its way back into the upper tier of the standings.
UCLA enters the game as a 3.5-point favorite, and that line might be generous to Indiana considering how well the Bruins have been playing. The heart of their recent success?
Defense. This team is locking in on that end of the floor-rotating well, communicating, and making life miserable for opposing offenses.
The offense is still coming together, but when you’re getting stops, you give yourself a chance every night.
Tyler Bilodeau has been the steady force UCLA needs, averaging 18.2 points per game and showing flashes of the kind of all-around scoring ability that NBA scouts are starting to pay closer attention to. He’s not just putting up numbers-he’s delivering in big moments.
And with Skyy Clark sidelined, freshman guard Trent Perry has stepped into the starting lineup and brought a much-needed jolt. He’s playing with confidence, attacking the rim, and making smart decisions-exactly what the Bruins needed to stabilize their backcourt.
Donovan Dent and Eric Dailey Jr. have also stepped up in recent games. Dent dropped 15 points in their last outing, while Dailey Jr. posted a double-double with 14 points and 11 boards. It’s been a true team effort, and that depth is starting to shine through.
But today’s challenge is a real one. Indiana’s senior guard Lamar Wilkinson is one of the most dangerous scorers in the country, averaging 19.4 points per game.
He’s a three-level threat who can take over a game in a hurry. Containing him will be priority number one for UCLA’s defense.
If they can limit Wilkinson’s touches and make someone else beat them, they’ll be in good shape.
And let’s not overlook the atmosphere. With Bob Chesney recently introduced as the new head football coach, there’s a renewed buzz around UCLA athletics.
That kind of energy tends to carry over, especially in a packed Pauley Pavilion on gameday. Expect the Bruins to feed off that crowd.
Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. PT, and you can catch the action on Peacock or listen in on AM 790. It’s a pivotal matchup for two programs trying to climb the Big Ten ladder-and if recent performances are any indication, we’re in for a battle.
The Bruins are finding their identity. Today, they’ll try to prove they belong in the Big Ten’s top tier.