This prediction market topic concerns the outcome of a men's college basketball (CBB) game scheduled for January 17 between the UCLA Bruins and the Ohio State Buckeyes. The market allows participants to wager on which team will win this non-conference matchup, a significant early-year test for both programs. The game is set to tip off at 1:00 PM Eastern Time, and the market will resolve based on the official result. Specific rules govern postponements, where the market remains open until completion, and cancellations, which result in a 50-50 split resolution. This contest is notable as it features two of the most storied programs in college basketball history, both seeking to bolster their resumes for the NCAA Tournament in March. Interest stems from the national brand recognition of both schools, their historical success, and the potential for this game to impact postseason seeding. The matchup also serves as a key benchmark for each team's development under their respective coaching staffs early in the conference season.

Historical Context

The UCLA Bruins and Ohio State Buckeyes boast two of the richest histories in college basketball. UCLA, under legendary coach John Wooden, won a record 10 national championships between 1964 and 1975, a dynasty that defined the sport. The Bruins have 11 total national titles and have appeared in 19 Final Fours. Ohio State's history is also decorated, highlighted by the 1960 national championship team led by Jerry Lucas and John Havlicek, and the 2007 squad featuring Greg Oden and Mike Conley Jr. that reached the national championship game. The programs have met 15 times historically, with UCLA holding a 10-5 series advantage. Their most famous meeting was in the 1968 NCAA Championship game, where Lew Alcindor (later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) led UCLA to a 78-55 victory over the Buckeyes. More recently, they faced off in the 2021 NCAA Tournament's First Four, where UCLA won 86-77 in overtime, a game that launched the Bruins on their unexpected run to the Final Four. This historical backdrop adds significant weight to any meeting between these two flagship programs.

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