Preview: Illinois Visits UCLA in Key Big Ten Clash LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — The surging Illinois Fighting Illini, coming off a historic offensive performance, will face the UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion on Saturday in a pivotal late-season Big Ten conference matchup. Illinois (22-5, 12-3 Big Ten) arrives in Los Angeles with momentum after a dominant 101-65 road victory over Southern California on Wednesday. The Fighting Illini have won seven of their last eight games, with their only loss in that span coming in overtime at Michigan State on Feb. 7. The Illini are powered by forward Andrej Stojakovic, who is averaging 18.2 points over his last five games. He scored 22 points in just 17 minutes off the bench in the win over USC. Guard Kylan Boswell added 12 points and eight assists in that game, facilitating an offense that shot 60% from the field. UCLA (17-9, 9-6) looks to rebound from a difficult two-game road trip through Michigan, where it suffered decisive losses at Michigan State (82-59) and Michigan (86-56). The Bruins have lost three of their last four after a four-game winning streak in late January. The Bruins will rely on forward Tyler Bilodeau, who has been a consistent scorer. He averages 18.1 points per game and is coming off a 22-point effort in the loss at Michigan State. Guard play will be critical for UCLA, which committed 18 turnovers in its last outing. This game represents a contrast in trajectories. Illinois, firmly in contention for a Big Ten regular-season title, boasts one of the nation’s most efficient offenses. UCLA, seeking to bolster its NCAA tournament resume, needs a signature win to counter its recent struggles, particularly on the defensive end where it allowed an average of 84 points in the two Michigan losses. The Fighting Illini won the season’s first meeting 89-70 in Champaign on Jan. 3. Saturday’s rematch tips off at 7 p.m. PST and will be broadcast on Fox. Illinois visits Michigan next Thursday. UCLA hosts Southern California next Tuesday.