So, if you’re looking for the UCLA game score today, you’ve basically stepped into a "tale of two programs" situation. It’s Sunday, January 18, 2026, and depending on which Bruin squad you’re tracking, your mood is either "Pauley Pavilion party" or "Mick Cronin is definitely going to rip another suit."
Let's get the big one out of the way first. The No. 3 UCLA Women’s Basketball team is currently the crown jewel of Westwood. They are tipping off against No. 12 Maryland right now (1:00 PM PT on NBC/Peacock). Coming off a 76-58 dismantling of Minnesota, Cori Close has this team humming at 16-1. If you aren't watching, Lauren Betts is likely doing Lauren Betts things—meaning she's probably hovering around a double-double before the third quarter even starts. Maryland is tough, but UCLA is a 10-game win streak deep for a reason.
Then there’s the men’s side.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a mess. While they don't play today, the fallout from their Saturday afternoon disaster against Ohio State is still the only thing anyone in LA is talking about. The final was 86-74 in favor of the Buckeyes, and if you’re a UCLA fan, that score actually feels generous.
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The UCLA Game Score Today: A Brutal Saturday Hangover
The Bruins (12-6, 4-3 Big Ten) didn't just lose in Columbus; they got bullied. You’ve got to feel for Tyler Bilodeau. The guy dropped 30 points—a massive "great shot-making day" as Mick Cronin put it—and it still didn't matter. Why? Because the defense was, in a word, non-existent.
John Mobley Jr. from Ohio State looked like Steph Curry out there, lighting the Bruins up for 28 points, including six triples. Devin Royal and Bruce Thornton added 22 and 21 respectively. When you let three different players on the opposing team cross the 20-point threshold, you aren't winning many games in the Big Ten.
Why Mick Cronin is Fuming
If you caught the post-game quotes, Cronin was basically at a boiling point. He straight-up said he "wasted" Bilodeau's performance. The Bruins shot 40.3% from the field, which isn't great, but it was the defensive end that really stung. Ohio State shot nearly 54%.
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"We wasted a great shot-making day from him [Bilodeau] with awful defense," - Mick Cronin.
It wasn't just the points, though. It was the "softness." That's a word Cronin uses a lot, but yesterday it felt real. UCLA got outrebounded 37-27. In the Big Ten, if you can't protect the glass, you’re basically an invite to a layup drill. The Bruins trailed by as much as 18 in the second half, and while they tried to claw back to within 10 late in the game, the outcome never really felt in doubt.
Beyond the Court: What Other Scores Happened?
It wasn't all bad news for the Blue and Gold this weekend. While the basketball world focuses on the Pauley Pavilion showdown today, the rest of the athletic department has been busy.
- Gymnastics: The No. 9 Bruins took down Nebraska 197.325 to 195.250 on Saturday. Jordan Chiles is officially back to her "untouchable" status, sticking a perfect 10.0 on vault. She also swept the all-around with a 39.675. If you missed it, the energy in that building was the complete opposite of the lethargy we saw in Columbus.
- Men’s Volleyball: The No. 1 ranked Bruins are on a tear. They beat No. 16 Ball State 3-1 on Saturday, led by David Decker's career-high 22 kills. They are actually back in action tonight against No. 6 Loyola Chicago at 6:00 PM PT on ESPNU.
- Swimming & Diving: A rare stumble here, as No. 7 Cal beat the Bruins 179-120.
What's Next for the Men's Basketball Team?
Searching for the UCLA game score today usually means you're looking for a rebound. Well, the men won't get that chance until Tuesday, January 20th. And it’s not exactly a "get right" game. They have to face No. 5 Purdue.
If they play defense against Zach Edey (or whoever the latest 7-foot monster Purdue has cooked up this year) the same way they played against Ohio State, it’s going to be a long flight back to LA.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Watch the Women's Replay: If you missed the live window for the Maryland game, find the replay on Peacock. This team plays the brand of basketball Cronin wishes his men's team would—disciplined, physical, and dominant in the paint.
- Check the Men's Defensive Rotations: Keep an eye on the starting lineup for the Purdue game. Cronin hinted at being "disgusted" with his recruitment of guys who won't defend. We might see some bench players getting much more run if the veterans don't start sliding their feet.
- Support Men's Volleyball: They are currently the best team on campus. Watching David Decker hit .621 is a great palate cleanser after watching the basketball team's perimeter defense.
The reality is that UCLA is still finding its footing in the Big Ten. The travel is harder, the teams are more physical, and the margin for error is razor-thin. Whether it's the score today at Pauley or the disaster in Ohio, one thing is clear: the Bruins have plenty of talent, but the "toughness" department is currently under renovation.
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Keep an eye on the live updates for the women's final score against Maryland, as that result will likely dictate the vibe in Westwood for the rest of the week.