Ucla Bruins vs Wisconsin Badgers Picks and Predictions January 21st 2025

No. 18 Wisconsin Showing Strength as It Heads to UCLA

Wisconsin takes its seven-game winning streak to Los Angeles on Tuesday for a high-stakes Big Ten clash with UCLA. Both teams are finding their form, setting the stage for an exciting matchup.

Wisconsin: Balanced and Dangerous

The Badgers (15-3, 5-2 Big Ten) opened their L.A. road trip with an impressive 84-69 win over USC on Saturday. John Blackwell was the star of the night, dropping 28 points to elevate his season average to 16.1 points per game. Even with top scorer John Tonje (17.2 PPG) held scoreless by USC’s defense, Wisconsin’s balanced attack delivered.

Blackwell praised the team’s composure: “We didn’t get too chaotic. We handled their run, weathered the storm, and finished the game off right.” Max Klesmit chipped in 18 points, showcasing the depth of Wisconsin’s offense, which ranks 28th nationally with 82.4 points per game.

UCLA: Turning the Corner

UCLA (12-6, 3-4 Big Ten) snapped a four-game losing streak with a dominant 94-70 win over Iowa on Friday. The Bruins held the nation’s top-scoring offense to just 21-of-47 shooting while shooting an impressive 62.1% themselves. Eric Dailey Jr. led the charge with a career-high 23 points.

Coach Mick Cronin acknowledged the challenges his team has faced, including dealing with the emotional toll of recent Los Angeles wildfires. “What we’ve been through at home makes this win even more meaningful,” he said.

Forward William Kyle III emerged as a key contributor, scoring a season-high 12 points on 6-of-7 shooting. Cronin praised his effort: “Will deserved to keep playing, and he made me keep him in.”

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Key Matchup Factors

UCLA’s ability to establish a physical presence inside will be crucial against Wisconsin, a team excelling at scoring inside the arc (57.4%) and drawing fouls (22.2% of their points come from free throws). The battle between Wisconsin’s balanced offense and UCLA’s improving defense will likely decide the outcome.

What to Watch

• Wisconsin: Can John Tonje bounce back and deliver his usual scoring punch? Look for Max Klesmit and John Blackwell to continue their hot streaks.
• UCLA: Will the Bruins maintain their offensive momentum and contain Wisconsin’s high-powered attack?

Prediction

Wisconsin’s balanced offense and ability to adapt make them a tough opponent, but UCLA’s home-court advantage and renewed confidence after their win over Iowa could tip the scales. Expect a close, hard-fought game with both teams putting their depth to the test.