It will be a battle between Pac-12 opponents when the UCLA Bruins (10-9, 3-3 Pac-12) welcome the Arizona Wildcats (14-6, 5-2 Pac-12) to Pauley Pavilion. The game will air on ESPN2 at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 26, 2019.
Arizona Wildcats vs. UCLA Bruins Free Prediction
In the Wildcats’ last outing, they were dismantled by the USC Trojans, 80-57. USC’s 0.554 effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Arizona, who had a mark of 0.313. The Trojans’ mark was above their season average of 0.523, while the Wildcats’ was below their season average of 0.512. Ira Lee led Arizona in scoring with 12 points on 4-for-11 shooting.
The Bruins lost to the Arizona State Sun Devils in their last outing, 84-73. Arizona State’s 0.217 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over UCLA, who had a mark of 0.152. The Sun Devils’ mark was below their season average of 0.282, while the Bruins’ was below their season average of 0.218. With 15 points on 6-for-12 shooting, Jaylen Hands led UCLA in scoring.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. The Wildcats won the last contest 78-67. The Wildcats made 13 of their 18 free throws (72.2 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (7.5 vs. 11.4).
UCLA might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they battle against one of the NCAA’s best defenses. Arizona currently ranks 56th in defensive efficiency while the Bruins rank 216th in offensive efficiency. The Wildcats should be expected to protect the ball well. They rank 41st at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.6 percent), while the Bruins force the 20th-fewest turnovers in the country (opponents’ turnover percentage of 15.8 percent).
Arizona Wildcats at UCLA Bruins ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – UCLA, ATS Winner – Arizona, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Arizona ranks 39th in assists allowed per game (10.9) while UCLA ranks 240th (16.4).
The Wildcats rank 56th in three pointers allowed per game (20.1) while the Bruins rank 254th (26.6).
Arizona ranks 15th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while UCLA ranks 167th (7.4).
The Bruins rank fifth in rebounds per game (42.8) while the Wildcats rank 149th (35.5).
UCLA ranks 26th in blocks per game (4.8) while Arizona ranks 142nd (2.6).
Bettings Trends:
The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.0, down from 6.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bruins have scored an average of 78.2 points per game (0.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 82.0 points per game (6.4 above their season average).
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