It will be a battle between Pac-12 opponents when the UCLA Bruins (12-11, 5-5 Pac-12) welcome the Utah Runnin’ Utes (12-10, 6-4 Pac-12) to Pauley Pavilion. The game is scheduled to get underway at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 9, 2019.
Utah Runnin’ Utes vs. UCLA Bruins Betting Prediction
In the Runnin’ Utes’ last matchup, they defeated the USC Trojans, 77-70. The Runnin’ Utes had a much better free throw rate (0.246 vs. 0.099) and held the Trojans to an effective field goal percentage of 0.444 (below their season average of 0.526). Utah rallied around Jayce Johnson, who contributed 13 points and 13 rebounds.
The Bruins were beaten by the Colorado Buffaloes in their last game, 84-73. One of Colorado’s largest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 15-16 (93.8 percent), while the Bruins were just 5-8 (62.5 percent). With 17 points on 8-for-10 shooting, Moses Brown led UCLA in scoring.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the most recent game, the Runnin’ Utes won 84-78. The Runnin’ Utes made 15 of their 17 free throws (88.2 percent) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.627 vs. 0.523).
It will be a showdown of contrasting styles as the fast-paced Bruins (ranked 27th in the NCAA in possessions per game) will look to push the more grind-it-out Runnin’ Utes (294th in possessions per game).
Utah Runnin’ Utes vs. UCLA Bruins Pick
Free Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Ucla, ATS Winner – Utah, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Utah averages 25.0 three pointers per game, which ranks 70th in the nation. UCLA ranks 264th in three pointers allowed per game (26.6).
The Runnin’ Utes rank 32nd in rebounds allowed per game (31.8) while the Bruins rank 187th (35.8).
Utah ranks 109th in assists per game (14.1) while UCLA ranks 248th in assists allowed per game (16.1).
The Bruins rank 39th in blocks per game (4.4) while the Runnin’ Utes rank 176th (2.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Runnin’ Utes’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.8, up from 1.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bruins have scored an average of 75.6 points per game (1.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 74.6 points per game (0.4 below their season average).
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