Michigan vs UCLA Picks and Prediction – 1/8/2025

The No. 24 Michigan Wolverines (11-3, 3-0 Big Ten) are set to face the No. 22 UCLA Bruins (11-3, 2-1 Big Ten) on January 7, 2025, at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, California. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET), and the game will be broadcast on Peacock. Get in on the action with our free NCAAB picks.

Michigan enters this matchup following an 85-74 victory over USC on January 4, 2025, marking their first-ever visit to the Galen Center. In that game, all five starters scored in double figures, showcasing the team's balanced offensive attack. Center Vladislav Goldin leads the Wolverines with averages of 13.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game, while the team boasts a 51.3% field goal percentage, ranking fourth nationally. Michigan has returned to their winning ways after a couple down years.

UCLA is looking to rebound after a 66-58 loss to Nebraska on January 4, 2025. Forward Tyler Bilodeau leads the Bruins with 14.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, while guard Kobe Johnson contributes 7.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. Defensively, UCLA allows just 59.2 points per game, ranking sixth nationally, and holds opponents to 39.5% shooting from the field.

This game marks the 20th meeting between Michigan and UCLA, with the Wolverines trailing the all-time series 6-13. Their last encounter was in the 2021 Elite Eight, where UCLA edged Michigan 51-49. Notably, Michigan has a 1-6 record at Pauley Pavilion, with their lone win occurring in 2002. We will go with historical data and take UCLA. Prediction: Bruins win 74-69.