UCLA Bruins vs Penn State Nittany Lions Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 01/14/26

UCLA enters this Big Ten matchup at 11-5 overall (3-2 conference) and has found consistency on the offensive end, averaging nearly 79 points per game while shooting over 48% from the field. The Bruins play with pace and purpose, using ball pressure to force turnovers and create transition opportunities, while still being efficient in the half court. Tyler Bilodeau (≈17 PPG) has emerged as the primary scoring option, and UCLA’s frontcourt has been active on both ends, helping the Bruins limit opponents to around 69 points per game. When UCLA is locked in defensively, they can build separation quickly, but rebounding and perimeter defense have been occasional weak spots, allowing opponents who shoot well from deep to hang around longer than expected.

Penn State comes in at 9-7 overall (0-5 Big Ten), but the record is somewhat misleading given how competitive the Nittany Lions have been against a difficult conference slate. Penn State averages just over 78 points per game, nearly matching UCLA’s scoring output, and relies heavily on shot creation and spacing to keep pressure on opposing defenses. Freddie Dilione V (≈15 PPG) has been the offensive catalyst, while Kayden Mingo and the supporting cast provide secondary scoring that allows Penn State to avoid long droughts. Despite being winless in conference play, the Nittany Lions have consistently stayed within range late in games, showing toughness and the ability to trade baskets with more established Big Ten teams. With Penn State capable of matching UCLA offensively for long stretches and the Bruins occasionally struggling to fully pull away, this sets up as a tighter contest than the spread suggests.

UCLA vs Penn State Prediction: Penn State +3.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to that number