UCLA Tries to Stop the Slide Against High-Scoring Iowa

The UCLA Bruins are in desperate need of a win as they host the high-powered Iowa Hawkeyes on Friday night. Both teams are coming off rough stretches, and this game feels like a chance for each to hit the reset button.

UCLA: Time to Fix the Defense

Things haven’t been great for the Bruins lately. After a strong start to the season, they’ve dropped four straight games, falling to 11-6 overall and 2-4 in Big Ten play. Head coach Mick Cronin isn’t holding back about what’s gone wrong:
“We were winning because of our defense. If you can’t stop somebody… you’re not going to win.”

• Recent Struggles: UCLA’s once-stingy defense has been leaking points, especially in Big Ten games. Three of their worst defensive efforts have come in conference play, including back-to-back road losses at Maryland and Rutgers.
• Star Watch: Tyler Bilodeau, the Bruins’ leading scorer at 14.4 points per game, had a rough night against Rutgers with just six points and no made field goals. If UCLA wants to turn things around, they’ll need him to bounce back in a big way.

Iowa: Scoring Big, Struggling on Defense

The Hawkeyes are 12-5 overall and 3-3 in the Big Ten, and while they can put up points like no other, their defense has been their Achilles’ heel. They’re coming off a 99-89 loss to USC and have allowed 300 points in their three Big Ten road losses.

• Offensive Firepower: Iowa is tied for the nation’s top-scoring offense, putting up 89.5 points per game. Payton Sandfort and Owen Freeman lead the way, each averaging 17.1 points. Their fast-paced style keeps defenses on their heels but also leaves their own defense exposed.
• Road Woes: Playing away from home has been tough for Iowa, and Friday is another test to see if they can bring that same energy on the road.

Key Matchup: Can Defense Stop Offense?

This game is all about contrasting styles. UCLA’s identity is built on defense—when it’s working—and they’ll need to rediscover that to stop Iowa’s high-powered attack. Iowa, meanwhile, will try to outscore the Bruins and hope their defense can hold up just enough to get the win.

Why This Game Matters

• For UCLA: The Bruins need a win to stop the bleeding and regain their confidence, especially at home where they started 8-1 this season.
• For Iowa: The Hawkeyes are looking to prove they can win on the road in Big Ten play while staying atop the scoring charts.

Industry’s Best

Handicapping Membership

Get Free Trial

The Bottom Line

This game is about two teams trying to figure things out. UCLA is looking to rediscover their defensive mojo, while Iowa is hoping their offense can carry them to a rare road win. Both teams are hungry for a victory, which should make for a fun and competitive matchup. Don’t miss it!