The California Golden Bears (7-13, 1-6 Pac-12) will attempt to snap their six-game losing streak when they challenge the UCLA Bruins (13-7, 4-4 Pac-12) at Pauley Pavilion. The game is scheduled to get underway at 10:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 25, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 154.5 points with UCLA set as a 16.5-point favorite.
California Golden Bears vs. UCLA Bruins Free Prediction
In the Golden Bears’ last game, they were defeated by the No. 16 Arizona State Sun Devils, 81-73. Arizona State’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over California. The Sun Devils had a rate of 28.1 (below their season average of 30.9), while the Golden Bears posted a mark of 18.9 (below their season average of 35.4). Marcus Lee was the game’s high scorer with 23 points on 10-for-13 shooting.
The Bruins lost a tough one against the Oregon Ducks in their last contest, 94-91. Oregon’s 9.4 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over UCLA, who had a rate of 16.4. The Ducks’ mark was better than their season average of 15.8. With 17 points and 10 rebounds, Thomas Welsh had a solid performance for UCLA.
UCLA could have their way on the offensive side of the ball as their high-powered offense squares off against one of the worst defenses in the nation. The Bruins rank 53rd in offensive efficiency, while California ranks 322nd in defensive efficiency.
California holds records of 7-13 straight up (SU) and 6-11 against the spread (ATS). Golden Bears games have gone over the projected point total 47.1 percent of the time.
Meanwhile, UCLA is 13-7 SU and 9-11 ATS. Games featuring the Bruins have typically finished over the O/U total (57.9 percent).
Justice Sueing has averaged 19.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.2 steals over the last five games for California.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Welsh had 19 points and 14 rebounds and the Bruins defeated the Golden Bears 107-84, covering as 7.5-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 191 points, which was 34 points above the projected point total of 157 points. UCLA did a fantastic job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (26-33; 78.8 percent). California, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (43.8 vs. 29.6).
California Golden Bears vs. UCLA Bruins Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – UCLA, ATS Winner – California, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, California is 3-3 ATS with 4 unders and 2 overs.
UCLA is 5-6 ATS at home with 5 overs and 5 unders.
UCLA ranks 109th in three pointers attempted per game (23.1) while California ranks 280th (15.2).
The Bruins rank 82nd in assists per game (14.9) while the Golden Bears rank 249th (10.7).
UCLA ranks 34th in rebounds per game (39.5) while California ranks 152nd (35.8).
The Bruins rank 14th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while the Golden Bears rank 126th (3.8).
California averages 7.0 steals per game, which ranks 68th in the NCAA. UCLA ranks 77th in steals allowed per game (5.9).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, California is 1-4 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
UCLA is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Golden Bears’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 17.4, up from 7.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bruins have scored an average of 80.6 points per game (2.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 75.8 points per game (0.9 below their season average).
