The Bryce Jordan Center was loud, the energy was there, and for a few fleeting minutes in the second half, it actually felt like the Nittany Lions might pull off the upset. But if you're looking for the short answer to who won the penn state game yesterday, it’s the UCLA Bruins. They walked out of State College with a 71-60 victory on Wednesday night, January 14, 2026, leaving Penn State fans with that all-too-familiar feeling of "what if."
It wasn't just a loss. It was a masterclass in efficiency by a kid named Trent Perry.
Honestly, the score makes it look a little closer than it felt for most of the night. UCLA came in and did exactly what road teams are supposed to do: they weathered the storm, hit their free throws, and found a star who couldn't miss. Perry was the story. The guy dropped a career-high 30 points. It’s one thing to score 30; it’s another to do it while going a perfect 12-for-12 from the charity stripe.
The Turning Point Most People Missed
Everyone looks at the final score and assumes it was a wire-to-wire blowout. It wasn't.
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Midway through the second half, Penn State actually found a rhythm. They went on a 10-0 tear that turned an eight-point deficit into a 49-47 lead. The BJC was rocking. For about two minutes, you could hear the belief in the crowd. Mike Rhoades has this team playing hard, you can't deny that. They scrap. They dive for loose balls.
But then, the wheels just sort of fell off.
UCLA responded with a 20-6 run that basically sucked the air out of the building. Tyler Bilodeau was a huge part of that, finishing with 21 points and 9 boards. When you have two guys combine for 51 of your 71 points, you're usually going to have a good night.
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Why the Lions Struggled to Close
The math just didn't work out for Penn State. You can't shoot 18% from beyond the arc and expect to beat a Big Ten newcomer like UCLA. They went 4-of-22 from three-point range. That is a recipe for disaster. Dominick Stewart did his best to keep them in it with 16 points, and Eli Rice chipped in 14, but without a consistent outside threat, the Bruins just packed the paint and dared the Lions to beat them from deep.
They didn't.
What This Means for Penn State Moving Forward
This loss puts Penn State at 9-8 overall and a concerning 0-6 in Big Ten play. That's a tough pill to swallow. They’ve lost eight of their last nine games. While the effort is there, the execution in "winning time" is lacking.
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UCLA, on the other hand, is starting to look like they belong in this conference. They move to 12-5 (4-2 in the B1G). Mick Cronin has them playing disciplined ball—they didn't miss a single free throw all night. 21-for-21. That’s absurd.
If you’re a Penn State fan, you’re looking at the schedule and seeing Maryland up next on Sunday. It doesn't get easier. The wrestling team is still a powerhouse, having just shut out Rutgers 46-0 a few days ago, and they head to Iowa tomorrow for a massive dual. But on the hardwood, the Nittany Lions are searching for an identity and, more importantly, a win.
Actionable Takeaways for the Next Game
- Watch the Perimeter: If Penn State doesn't find a way to hit at least 30% of their threes, the floor will stay cramped.
- The "Dent" Factor: UCLA’s Donovan Dent took a hit to the head and wasn't himself, yet the Lions couldn't capitalize on a hobbled backcourt.
- Free Throw Disparity: You can't lose the game at the line. UCLA won by 11; they made 21 free throws. Penn State needs to be more aggressive drawing contact.
The season isn't over, but the margin for error is basically gone. If you're heading to the BJC for the next home game against Wisconsin, expect a team that's hungry but desperate.