Last Updated on March 16, 2023 11:52 am by Anthony Rome
UNC Asheville vs. UCLA Prediction & Odds
Will the banged-up UCLA Bruins cover as heavy favorites against 15-seed UNC Asheville at 10:05 p.m. ET on Thursday night in the first round of the March Madness tournament?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
767 UNC Asheville Bulldogs (+17.5) vs. 768 UCLA Bruins (-17.5); o/u 135.5
10:05 p.m. ET, Thursday, March 16, 2023
Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA
TV: truTV
UNC Asheville vs. UCLA Public Betting Information
Our CBB Public Betting Information page indicates that 55% of public bettors are currently backing UCLA when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
UNC Asheville Cougars Notes
Drew Pember posted 31 points (9-19 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 9-11 FT), 10 rebounds, two assists and two blocks over 37 minutes during Saturday’s 66-62 victory over USC Upstate. Pember has been the fuel all season long for a UNC Asheville team with a 16-2 record in Big South play. He’s putting up 21.2 ppg on the season, but in three conference tournament games, the 6-11 senior averaged 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.7 blocks. This is a player with high-major experience via two seasons with the Tennessee Volunteers, and he could very well be a problem for any team that faces him in the first round of the Big Dance.
UCLA Bruins Notes
Coach Mick Cronin said that Adem Bona (shoulder) is sore and is expected to be a game-time decision for Thursday’s game against UNC-Asheville, Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times reports. Bona did not play in the Pac-12 Championship game due to a shoulder injury. He was able to practice on Wednesday and the team will hope their freshman big man will be able to contribute in the NCAA Tournament opener. UCLA needs all the help they can get in this run with top defender Jaylen Clark ruled out for the season.
UNC Asheville vs. UCLA CBB Betting Trends
Over is 8-2 in Bruins last 10 games following a straight up loss
Over is 4-1 in Bruins last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600
Over is 5-2 in Bulldogs last 7 games following a ATS win
Over is 9-4 in Bulldogs last 13 overall
UNC Asheville vs. UCLA CBB Prediction:
The Bulldogs are 5-2 against the spread in their last seven games overall, are 5-1 against the number in their last six games versus a team with a winning record and are 5-1 at the betting window in their last six games versus a team with a winning percentage above .600. The Bruins, meanwhile, are just 1-4 against the spread in their last five games coming off a loss.
CBB BETTING PREDICTION: UNC ASHEVILLE COUGARS +17.5