Historically it still sounds strange, but it’s a Big Ten matchup between Purdue and UCLA in a game that means plenty on both sides. Two teams that haven’t seen a ton of each other in recent memory meet in southern California for the first time this century with one side rolling and other team looking for answers here in Big Ten play.
Playing great basketball has led Purdue (17-1) to this enviable moment halfway through the basketball season. The Boilermakers have dropped just a single game to Iowa State and are off to a 7-0 start in the Big Ten, including some impressive wins away from home. Purdue’s defense hasn’t exactly been blowing people away recently but this team did enough to win at USC a few days ago and is looking to complete the California sweep.
Things are a tad more desperate at UCLA (12-6), as the Bruins haven’t quite played up to their expected potential this season. UCLA wasted opportunities during nonconference play and have picked up some tough losses in the Big Ten, including that 12-point defeat at Ohio State this past weekend. Life isn’t easy for these new West Coast teams in this league but they have a great opportunity here with a premier team on their home floor.
Purdue vs. UCLA: When and Where
Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 10:00 pm ET
Location: Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, California
Purdue vs. UCLA: Where to Watch or Stream
Watch: Peacock
Streaming: FuboTV
Purdue vs. UCLA: Betting Odds
Spread: Purdue -5.5, UCLA +5.5
Moneyline: Purdue -245, UCLA +220
Total: 147.5
Purdue vs. UCLA: Series History
All-time series: UCLA leads 10-4
Last meeting: Purdue 76, UCLA 66 (February 28, 2025)
Projected Starting Lineups
Purdue Boilermakers
Braden Smith (14.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 9.4 apg)
Fletcher Loyer (13.4 ppg, 2.3 rpg)
Oscar Cluff (12.2 ppg, 8.2 rpg)
Trey Kaufman-Renn (12.7 ppg, 9.1 rpg)
C. J. Cox (8.4 ppg, 2.2 rpg)
UCLA Bruins
Tyler Bilodeau (18.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg)
Donovan Dent (12.4 ppg, 6.5 apg)
Trent Perry (11.2 ppg, 2.6 rpg)
Eric Dailey Jr. (10.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg)
Xavier Booker (6.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg)
On paper UCLA has immense talent but Mick Cronin and company are having a hard time realizing that potential. The defense has sputtered at times even as Bilodeau has had another really strong season, while Dent isn’t quite living up to expectations after being one of the top transfer portal pickups in the nation. We know that Purdue has immense talent, boasting one of the best point guards in Smith and a frontcourt that can affect the game on multiple levels. The Bruins need to find a way to contain both that interior attack and Purdue’s ability to create open 3-pointers. Stopping Kaufman-Renn and company might be the hard part there.
Fresh off that success last weekend, does Purdue complete the perfect trip to Los Angeles and control this game against the Bruins. Can UCLA find a way not only to contain Purdue’s offense but to snap out of their defensive funk and realize that potential with this lineup?