The No. 11 Michigan State Spartans (3-1) meet the No. 17 UCLA Bruins (4-0) in the Las Vegas Invitational at Orleans Arena. The game gets underway at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 22, 2018.
UCLA Bruins vs. Michigan State Spartans Betting Prediction
In the Bruins’ last game, they defeated the Presbyterian Blue Hose, 80-65. The Bruins had a ridiculous offensive rebounding percentage of 38.5 (above their season average of 31.8) and had a free throw rate of 0.254 (above their season average of 0.168). Jalen Hill had a solid performance for UCLA, recording nine points and 20 rebounds.
The Spartans had no trouble getting past the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles in their last contest, 101-33. The Spartans made 13 of their 18 free throws (72.2 percent), while the Golden Eagles had a turnover percentage of 25.7 (above the 13.0 mark opponents have averaged against Michigan State this season). Nick Ward was the game’s top scorer with 23 points on 10-for-12 shooting from the field.
It might turn into a shootout as a pair of the nation’s premier offenses square off. Since last season, Michigan State ranks sixth with 119.0 points per 100 possessions and UCLA is 48th (112.3). Ball security should be an advantage for the Bruins. They rank 56th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.9 percent). Conversely, the Spartans have forced the seventh-fewest turnovers in the country (opponents’ turnover percentage of 15.1 percent).
UCLA vs. Michigan State Betting Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – UCLA, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Michigan State ranks sixth in rebounds per game (41.7) while UCLA ranks 223rd in rebounds allowed per game (36.1).
The Spartans rank 112th in three pointers allowed per game (21.0) while the Bruins rank 308th (26.0).
Michigan State averages 19.5 assists per game, which ranks first in the NCAA. UCLA ranks 188th in assists allowed per game (13.6).
The Bruins rank 190th in steals per game (5.8) while the Spartans rank 281st (4.4).
Michigan State ranks first in blocks per game (7.1) while UCLA ranks 57th (4.2).
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