Maryland Terrapins vs Ucla Bruins Picks and Predictions January 10th 2025

No. 22 UCLA and Maryland Aim to Snap January Skids

Struggling to find footing in the new year, both No. 22 UCLA and Maryland will seek redemption when they face off Friday night in College Park, Md. Each team has suffered back-to-back Big Ten losses in January, leaving both programs eager to recapture their early-season form.

Similar Struggles for Bruins and Terrapins

Despite their cross-country locales, UCLA (11-4, 2-2 Big Ten) and Maryland (11-4, 1-3) share an unfortunate trend: second-half collapses. Both teams have held leads in recent games, only to falter down the stretch.

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For Maryland, Sunday’s 83-79 loss at then-No. 9 Oregon marked a second consecutive stumble after falling 75-69 at Washington earlier in the week. The Terrapins squandered a 13-point advantage against Oregon and a nine-point lead at Washington.

“I’m looking at that starting lineup, and they start games really well,” Maryland coach Kevin Willard said. “But when we come out of halftime, that group is really struggling.”

Similarly, UCLA’s two losses—66-58 at Nebraska and a 94-75 drubbing at the hands of No. 24 Michigan—featured squandered opportunities and poor execution. Against Michigan, the Bruins allowed a season-high 94 points and were out-rebounded 36-31.

“We finally do get a stop and can’t get a defensive rebound,” UCLA coach Mick Cronin lamented. “I have to run on the court to get guys to play hard. It’s crazy.”

Offensive and Defensive Concerns

Both teams have glaring issues that have contributed to their January swoons. UCLA has shot a dismal 12.5 percent (6 of 48) from 3-point range in its last two games, with key contributors Sebastian Mack, Eric Dailey Jr., and Dylan Andrews combining to miss all 18 of their attempts from deep.

Maryland, on the other hand, has struggled to sustain energy after halftime. Despite leading at the break in all four of their losses this season, the Terrapins have been unable to close games effectively. Fading second-half performances have become a worrying trend for Willard’s squad.

Key Players to Watch

• UCLA: Tyler Bilodeau has been the lone bright spot during the Bruins’ recent struggles, averaging 16 points and five rebounds over the past two games. However, UCLA will need more consistency from its supporting cast, particularly on the boards and from beyond the arc.
• Maryland: Frontcourt players Derik Queen (16.0 points per game) and Julian Reese (13.0) anchor the Terrapins. Belmont transfer Ja’Kobi Gillespie has added scoring punch, averaging 13 points and leading the team with 33 made 3-pointers.

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Recent History and Stakes

UCLA leads the all-time series 7-3, with the teams splitting their last two meetings. Both games were won by the road team, adding intrigue to Friday’s matchup. For Maryland, a victory at home could stabilize their season and provide much-needed momentum. For UCLA, a win would signal a return to form and keep them competitive in a tough Big Ten slate.

The Path Forward

Both teams will need to address their shortcomings to avoid falling further behind in conference play. For Maryland, sustaining energy and execution through the second half is paramount. UCLA, meanwhile, must find its defensive intensity and regain its touch from long range.

With both squads desperate for a win, Friday’s game promises to be a hard-fought battle as each team seeks to break free from their January doldrums.