Ucla Bruins vs Ohio State Buckeyes Picks and Predictions February 23rd 2025

Ohio State Faces UCLA in High-Stakes Showdown

With March Madness looming, the Ohio State Buckeyes find themselves in must-win mode as they travel to Los Angeles to take on UCLA on Sunday.

Ohio State has dropped three of its last four games, including a stunning 70-49 loss to Northwestern on Thursday. Meanwhile, UCLA is reeling from a 64-61 collapse against Minnesota, where the Bruins let a 17-point lead slip away.

Buckeyes Desperate for a Statement Win

A few weeks ago, Ohio State seemed on track for an NCAA Tournament bid. But after a heartbreaking 86-83 loss to No. 12 Michigan and an embarrassing blowout at Northwestern, the Buckeyes are in a win-or-go-home mentality.

“It’s a must-win game,” said guard Micah Parrish. “We have a good group of guys who want to win and play in the tournament, so I think we will find a way.”

Head coach Jake Diebler was disappointed in his team’s lack of defensive intensity against Northwestern.

“It felt almost like a young team learning for the first time,” Diebler said. “That can’t happen again, clearly.”

Parrish and Bruce Thornton combined for 29 points on 11-of-25 shooting, but the rest of the team must step up after contributing just 20 points on 6-of-25 shooting in their last game.

UCLA Looks to Regroup Amid Special Tribute to Bill Walton

UCLA had full control against Minnesota, leading by 17 points early and 11 at halftime, before falling apart down the stretch.

“It’s unacceptable,” forward Tyler Bilodeau said. “But there’s nothing we can do about it now. We just have to focus on the next one.”

Free throws were a major issue, with Bilodeau (3-for-7) and Eric Dailey Jr. (0-for-2) missing key shots down the stretch. UCLA shot just 9-for-19 from the line in the loss.

Sunday’s game will carry extra significance, as the Bruins honor the legendary Bill Walton, who passed away in May 2023. Expect a charged atmosphere at Pauley Pavilion as fans celebrate one of the greatest players in college basketball history.

Key Matchup: Ball Movement vs. Defensive Grit

UCLA’s offensive flow could present problems for Ohio State. The Bruins have three players with 70+ assists this season—Dylan Andrews (79), Kobe Johnson (78), and Skyy Clark (71)—a feat UCLA hasn’t achieved since 2016-17.

On the other side, Ohio State must tighten up defensively and get balanced scoring to keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive.

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Who Has the Edge?

Ohio State needs this win to stay in the NCAA Tournament conversation, but UCLA will be motivated to bounce back—especially on an emotional night celebrating Walton.

Can the Buckeyes rise to the occasion, or will the Bruins use their home-court advantage to get back on track?

We’ll find out Sunday.