The UCLA Bruins (7-2) welcome the No. 25 Cincinnati Bearcats (5-2) to Pauley Pavilion as they attempt to extend their six-game home winning streak. The game is scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 16, 2017.
Cincinnati Bearcats at UCLA Bruins ATS Prediction
The last time the Bearcats played, they defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs, 65-50. The Bearcats made 14 of their 16 free throws (87.5 percent) and held the Bulldogs to an effective field goal percentage of 0.349 (below their season average of 0.558). With 24 points on 7-for-13 shooting, Jacob Evans III was the top scorer from either team.
The Bruins fell to the Michigan Wolverines in their last matchup, 78-69. Michigan’s 13.0 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over UCLA, who had a mark of 23.2. The Wolverines’ mark was worse than their season average of 12.4, while the Bruins’ was above their season average of 13.8. With 22 points and 10 rebounds, Thomas Welsh put together a solid performance for UCLA.
Conflicting paces will be on display in this meeting. Since last season, UCLA has preferred to play quickly (11th in possessions per game), while Cincinnati has been more half-court-oriented (322nd in possessions per game). Ball security should be an advantage for the Bearcats. They rank 19th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 15.8 percent), while the Bruins have forced the 16th-fewest turnovers in the nation (opponents’ turnover percentage of 16.0 percent).
The Bruins won the lone game against the Bearcats last season, 79-67. The Bruins’ 4.3 turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Bearcats, who had a rate of 13.8.
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. UCLA Bruins ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Cincinnati, ATS Winner – Cincinnati, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
Cincinnati ranks 85th in three pointers allowed per game (20.4) while UCLA ranks 248th (24.1).
The Bearcats rank eighth in steals allowed per game (4.0) while the Bruins rank 106th (6.3).
UCLA ranks fifth in blocks allowed per game (1.8) while Cincinnati ranks 87th (3.2).
The Bearcats rank 32nd in assists allowed per game (11.2) while the Bruins rank 110th (13.0).
UCLA ranks ninth in rebounds per game (39.3) while Cincinnati ranks 85th (37.7).
