UCLA’s Inaugural Big Ten Season with Home Games Heating Up

UCLA basketball is embarking on a transformative season, leaving the familiar confines of the Pac-12 to embrace the challenges of the Big Ten.

Dec 8, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin during the second half against the Oregon Ducks at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images / Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

Pauley Pavilion, long a bastion of West Coast hoops, is now the home court for a team navigating the Midwest-heavy conference. Known for its basketball excellence, the move to the Big Ten introduces UCLA to a new landscape of fierce competition, storied programs, and passionate fanbases. The stakes are high, and the excitement is palpable as the Bruins settle into the heart of Big Ten play.

Head coach Mick Cronin and his squad are embracing the challenge. Cronin, who has brought a gritty, defensive-minded identity to UCLA, is calling on fans to rise to the occasion. 

"We’re here for your support," Cronin said in a recent social media post. "We play Michigan Tuesday, Jan. 7. That is one of nine home games remaining on our schedule. We need your support."

UCLA’s upcoming schedule features three pivotal home games that could set the tone for their conference campaign. 

On Tuesday, Jan. 7, UCLA will face Michigan in a matchup that promises to set the tone for their Big Ten campaign. The Wolverines, a perennial powerhouse, embody the tenacity and grit that define Big Ten basketball. With a roster that blends athleticism and tactical precision, Michigan will provide an early litmus test for UCLA’s readiness to compete at the highest level.

Next, on Friday, Jan. 17, the Bruins take on Iowa, a team renowned for its explosive offense. Led by sharpshooters capable of lighting up the scoreboard, the Hawkeyes bring a high-energy style of play that will challenge UCLA’s defense. Fans can expect a thrilling contest filled with scoring runs and dramatic momentum shifts.

Finally, on Tuesday, Jan. 21, Wisconsin comes to Pauley Pavilion, bringing its trademark discipline and deliberate pace. The Badgers’ defensive prowess and methodical execution will test UCLA’s ability to adapt under pressure. This clash of styles promises to be a compelling battle as the Bruins navigate their early Big Ten schedule.

These matchups are just the beginning of UCLA’s journey into the Big Ten, a conference where every game feels like a battle.

For UCLA, home-court advantage has never been more crucial. Pauley Pavilion is hallowed ground, home to decades of championship banners and unforgettable moments. Now, as the Bruins face unfamiliar foes from the Midwest and beyond, the roar of the crowd could be the difference between victory and defeat.

For longtime fans, this season is a defining moment. It’s a chance to see the Bruins forge rivalries with new programs, from Michigan and Iowa to Indiana and Purdue. It’s also an opportunity for the team to prove they belong on this national stage, not just as participants, but as contenders.

Nine home games remain in the Big Ten schedule, starting with the Wolverines on January 7th. Bruins fans, this is your time to show up, pack Pauley Pavilion, and remind the Big Ten why UCLA is a basketball powerhouse.

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