Purdue Visits UCLA in High-Stakes Big Ten Clash LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — The nation’s second-ranked team puts its lofty record on the line in a cross-country conference test Tuesday night as the Purdue Boilermakers visit the UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion. Purdue (17-1, 6-0 Big Ten), whose only loss came to Iowa State on Dec. 6, carries a 10-game winning streak into Westwood. The Boilermakers are coming off a 69-64 road victory at Southern California on Saturday, led by 22 points from guard Braden Smith and 19 from center Oscar Cluff. Smith, a dynamic junior, has been the engine for Purdue’s potent offense. Over his last seven games, he is averaging 19.3 points and 8.4 assists, including a 26-point, 14-assist performance in a win over Penn State on Jan. 10. His playmaking will be central against UCLA’s pressure. The Bruins (12-6, 3-3), navigating their inaugural Big Ten season, seek a signature win to bolster their postseason resume. They are 9-1 at home this season but are looking to rebound from an 86-74 loss at Ohio State on Saturday. In that game, forward Tyler Bilodeau scored a career-high 30 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Bilodeau has emerged as UCLA’s primary scorer, averaging over 20 points per game in conference play. His matchup with Purdue’s formidable frontcourt, featuring Cluff and reigning National Player of the Year Zach Edey, will be a critical battleground. This contest, organized by the Big Ten, pits one of the nation’s most efficient offenses in Purdue against a UCLA defense that has held opponents to 67.2 points per game at home. The Bruins will need to contain Smith’s penetration and limit Purdue’s second-chance opportunities to pull the upset. For Purdue, a victory would solidify its hold atop the conference standings. For UCLA, it represents a chance to announce its competitiveness in its new league against its toughest opponent to date. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. PST Tuesday. Purdue hosts Illinois next on Saturday, while UCLA will remain home to face Northwestern.