Northwestern vs. UCLA, 3/18/23 March Madness Betting Prediction & Odds

Northwestern vs. UCLA Prediction & Odds

Despite battling injuries, 2-seeded UCLA took care of UNCA in the first round of the NCAA tournament, covering as a 17.5-point favorite in the process.

Will the Bruins also cover as a 7.5-point favorite on Saturday night when they take on 7-seed Northwestern at 8:40 p.m. ET?

Game Matchup & Betting Odds

815 Northwestern Wildcats (+7.5) vs. 816 UCLA Bruins (-7.5); o/u 126.5

8:40 p.m. ET, Saturday, March 18, 2023

Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA

Northwestern vs. UCLA Public Betting Information

Our CBB Public Betting Information page indicates that 56% 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.

Northwestern Wildcats Notes

Northwestern head coach Chris Collins confirmed Wednesday that Julian Roper (ankle) won't be available during the NCAA Tournament, Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports reports. As expected, Roper's sophomore season has officially come to an end after he suffered a setback with his ankle upon returning from a three-game absence in February. He played in just one game before being shut down for good, and he'll continue to focus on rehabbing from the injury when the Wildcats open their tournament run Thursday versus Boise State. Roper suited up in 15 games in 2022-23, averaging 4.4 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 21.3 minutes.

UCLA Bruins Notes

Adem Bona (Thursday) did not play in Thursday's 86-53 win oiver UNC-Asheville. Bona is officially cleared to play according to Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times, but head coach Mick Cronin felt no need to risk further injury with the Bruins comfortably leading the Bulldogs wire-to-wire during Thursday's first-round matchup. The Bruins have Northwestern on deck Saturday, and there's a greater chance Bona could see the floor if the Bruins are locked into a tightly knit battle with the Wildcats. More on his official game status should come ahead of Saturday's tip-off.

Northwestern vs. UCLA CBB Betting Trends

Under is 5-1 in Wildcats last 6 games following a straight up win

Over is 3-1-1 in Wildcats last 5 overall

Over is 5-1 in Bruins last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600

Under is 4-1 in Bruins last 5 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points

Northwestern vs. UCLA CBB Prediction:

The Bruins have covered in eight of their last 10 NCAA tournament games, are 5-0-1 against the number in their last six games overall and are 5-0-1 at the betting window in their last six games when facing an opponent with a winning record. UCLA is also 15-5-2 against the spread in its last 22 games following a win and is 3-0-2 against the number in its last five games when facing an opponent with a winning percentage above .600.

CBB BETTING PREDICTION: UCLA BRUINS -7.5