CBB Predictions: Arizona Wildcats vs. UCLA Bruins 1/21/17

Arizona vs. UCLA Pick

Can No. 14 Arizona put a crack in the armor of No. 3 UCLA when the two meet today at 4PM ET?

According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, UCLA is favored at home, as the Bruins are getting odds of -6 points against Arizona. The over/under total for the game is listed at 159 points. Arizona has won three of the last four in this series, but the Bruins have covered the spread in five straight meetings with Arizona.

Bet on Arizona vs. UCLA

UCLA has won six straight coming into today and is now 19-1 on the season and 6-1 in the Pac-12. The Bruins are just 2-6 against the spread in their last eight games and now 12-8 against the spread on the season. UCLA is one of the best offensive teams in the country, averaging 93.4 points per game this season while shooting 53 percent as a team. At home, the Bruins are putting up 98.1 points per contest. Defensively, UCLA is giving up 75.6 points per game, but that’s due partly to their pace of play. UCLA has six players scoring in double figures right now. Bryce Alford averages a team-high 17.4 points per game while TJ Leaf adds 16.9 points and 9 rebounds per game.

Arizona has won 11 straight to come into the season. The Wildcats are 17-2 on the season and 6-0 in the Pac-12. The Cats are just 1-1-2 against the spread in their last four and 10-7-2 ATS on the season. Arizona is a team that uses defense to win, as the Wildcats allow just 61.8 points per game this season. On the road, they allow just 60 points per game. Offensively, Arizona is putting up 75.1 points per game this season. Lauri Markkanen is leading the team with 17 points and 7.4 rebounds per game while Rawle Alkins is adding 12 points and 5.6 rebounds per contest.

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Arizona is a good team that I think is capable of beating UCLA, but I don’t see it happening today on the road. The Bruins’ offense should be too much for the Wildcats. Arizona needs its defense to step up. I don’t think the Wildcats can win a shootout here, but UCLA has so many scoring options, I don’t see Arizona shutting UCLA down.

 

COLLEGE BASKETBALL DAILY PREDICTION: UCLA -6