Recap
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Ohio State Buckeyes vs UCLA Bruins: Did Devin Royal's Dominance Seal the Victory?

The Ohio State Buckeyes emerged victorious against the UCLA Bruins with a final score of 86-74. This win improved Ohio State's record to 1-0, while UCLA fell to 0-1. The game was held at Value City Arena in Columbus, where a crowd of 12,937 witnessed an intense matchup.


Jan 17, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Trent Perry (0) drives to the basket as Ohio State Buckeyes forward Devin Royal (21) and guard Bruce Thornton (2) defend during the first half at Value City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

First Half


The first half saw the Buckeyes take control early on, establishing a lead that they would not relinquish. Devin Royal was instrumental in this period, contributing significantly with his scoring and rebounding prowess. His ability to dominate inside the paint helped Ohio State secure a 42-36 lead by halftime. The team's effective field goal percentage stood at an impressive 61 percent, showcasing their offensive efficiency.


Second Half


In the second half, Ohio State continued their momentum with Bruce Thornton orchestrating plays from the backcourt. His playmaking abilities were evident as he facilitated ball movement and created opportunities for his teammates. The Buckeyes' defense also played a crucial role by limiting UCLA's fast-break points to just two throughout the game.


Jan 17, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA;  Ohio State Buckeyes guard John Mobley Jr. (0) controls the ball during the second half against the UCLA Bruins at Value City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Despite efforts from the Westwood Warriors to close the gap, including strong performances from their bench players who added twelve points collectively, it wasn't enough to overcome Ohio State's dominance on both ends of the court.


The post-game report Ohio State Buckeyes highlighted Devin Royal’s standout performance as he finished with twenty-two points and nine rebounds. Meanwhile, John Mobley Jr.'s contribution cannot be overlooked; his shooting accuracy kept pressure on UCLA’s defense consistently.


Jan 17, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes center Christoph Tilly (13) goes to the basket during the second half against the UCLA Bruins at Value City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

As part of our post game analysis: The key takeaway is how effectively Ohio State managed turnovers compared to their opponents – committing only ten compared to five by UCLA – which allowed them more scoring opportunities and ultimately led them towards victory.


Looking ahead for fans eager for more action: Mark your calendars! On January 20th at Value City Arena in Columbus (zip code:43210), catch all excitement when Minnesota Golden Gophers face off against our beloved team once again! Tune into BTN network if you can't make it there live!


Stay updated & share this article among fellow fans who bleed scarlet & gray!

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