tOSU at UCLA, Sunday 2/23, 3:45 ET on CBS

[BB73]

Buckeyes head to historic Pauley Pavilion to face Mick Cronin’s Bruins.

 

[ScriptOhio]

Prediction​

Both of these teams come into today’s game struggling. UCLA has lost two of their last three games, while Ohio State has lost three of four. The Buckeyes are facing even more pressure since they are right around the bubble when it comes to making the NCAA Tournament. UCLA doesn’t have quite as much to worry about when it comes to qualifying for the big dance since they not only have 10 wins in the Big Ten so far this season, they are just a win away from 20 wins on the season.

Is Ohio State capable of beating UCLA? The Buckeyes have earned tough wins over Kentucky, Purdue, and Maryland this year. Unfortunately for the Buckeyes, they are faltering at the worst possible time. Depth has become an issue, putting more strain on Bruce Thornton, Devin Royal, and John Mobley Jr.

Not only is Ohio State still missing guard Meechie Johnson Jr., they were without Aaron Bradshaw on Thursday night. The short bench could be an issue against UCLA, who has 10 players averaging at least 10 minutes per game this season, and no player averaging more than 29 minutes per game.

As much as a win this afternoon would boost Ohio State’s chances of receiving an NCAA Tournament bid, UCLA is just too tough at home. While Minnesota was able to upend the Bruins at Pauley on Wednesday night, it is hard to imagine lightning striking Mick Cronin’s team twice.

Plus, it won’t help Ohio State that UCLA will be paying tribute to Bill Walton throughout the game. If the Buckeyes are going to start off their two-game Los Angeles road trip with a victory, they’ll have to be at the top of their game, which is hard to imagine after seeing how poorly they played against Northwestern.

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ESPN BPI: UCLA 67.4%
Time: 3:45 p.m. ET
TV: CBS

LGHL score prediction: UCLA 71, Ohio State 66​