Ucla Bruins vs Michigan Wolverines Picks and Predictions January 7th 2025

No. 22 UCLA Hosts No. 24 Michigan in Top-25 Showdown at Pauley Pavilion

UCLA looks to bounce back from its first Big Ten Conference loss and maintain its perfect home record when it hosts No. 24 Michigan on Tuesday night in Los Angeles.

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Bruins Eye Offensive Revival After Loss to Nebraska

No. 22 UCLA (11-3, 2-1 Big Ten) struggled offensively in a 66-58 loss at Nebraska on Saturday, playing without starting guard Eric Dailey Jr. Dailey, who averages 11.4 points per game, missed the game due to a facial injury, leaving a noticeable void in the Bruins’ scoring.

Coach Mick Cronin expressed frustration with the lack of production from UCLA’s backcourt, particularly veteran Dylan Andrews, who scored just two points on 1-of-6 shooting.

“Dylan Andrews has got to play way better,” Cronin said. “Dominick Harris and Trent Perry got opportunities … but neither one of them scored.”

Tyler Bilodeau, UCLA’s leading scorer at 14.5 points per game, will need to carry the offensive load alongside an improving supporting cast as the Bruins attempt to rebound from their offensive woes.

Michigan Brings Momentum and Scoring Depth

The Wolverines (11-3, 3-0) arrive in Los Angeles riding a three-game winning streak and fresh off an 85-74 victory over USC on Saturday. Michigan’s offense was in full flow, with all five starters scoring in double figures.

Danny Wolf dominated with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, while Tre Donaldson added 16 points, including four 3-pointers. Michigan’s offense, ranked 27th nationally at 84.1 points per game, has been especially potent during its current win streak, averaging 95.3 points.

First-year coach Dusty May credited his team’s improvement over recent weeks. “It seems like the things that we’ve stressed as a group are starting to click,” May said.

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Michigan has leveraged its size—highlighted by 7-foot Wolf and 7-foot-1 Vladislav Goldin—to shoot 62.6 percent on two-point attempts, a key factor in its offensive success.

Key Matchup: UCLA’s Defense vs. Michigan’s Offense

Tuesday’s clash pits contrasting styles against each other. UCLA’s defense ranks among the nation’s best, allowing just 59.2 points per game (sixth-lowest nationally) while forcing turnovers on a remarkable 26 percent of opponent possessions, per KenPom.com.

The Wolverines, however, have been turnover-prone, averaging 15.1 giveaways per game and committing errors on 21 percent of their possessions. UCLA’s ability to exploit those turnovers could be pivotal, especially given Michigan’s struggles with ball security.

Home Court Advantage

UCLA is 8-0 at Pauley Pavilion this season, relying on its swarming defense to disrupt opponents. Michigan will need to maintain its high-powered offensive pace to challenge the Bruins on their home court, but turnovers and UCLA’s defensive pressure could prove decisive.

The game promises to be a compelling battle of strengths, with the Wolverines’ balanced scoring lineup clashing against UCLA’s defensive prowess in a key early-season conference matchup.