The Colorado Buffaloes (10-7, 2-3 Pac-12) will try to end their six-game road losing streak in a matchup against the UCLA Bruins (13-4, 4-1 Pac-12) at Pauley Pavilion. The game can be seen on Pac-12 Network at 10:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 13, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 154.5 points with UCLA set as an 11.5-point favorite.
Colorado Buffaloes vs. UCLA Bruins ATS Prediction
In the Buffaloes’ last game, they were topped by the No. 25 USC Trojans, 70-58. USC’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Colorado. The Trojans had a rate of 15.7 (worse than their season average of 14.0), while the Buffaloes posted a mark of 26.9 (above their season average of 18.0). George King was the top scorer from either team with 21 points on 7-for-14 shooting.
The Bruins won big over the Utah Runnin’ Utes in their last game, 83-64. The Bruins had 8 steals, while the Runnin’ Utes had a free throw rate of 0.173 (below their season average of 0.282). With 19 points, Kris Wilkes had a solid game for UCLA.
UCLA could put on a ball-control clinic in this contest. UCLA ranks 46th in the NCAA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.7 percent), while Colorado forces the 34th-fewest turnovers (16.6 percent).
Colorado holds records of 10-7 straight up (SU) and 7-9-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Buffaloes games, with 9 overs compared to 8 unders.
Meanwhile, UCLA is 13-4 SU and 8-9 ATS. Vegas tends to place the total low when the Bruins are involved, as 62.5 percent of their games have ended over the projected point total.
Aaron Holiday and Wilkes have played well over the last five games for UCLA. Holiday has averaged 23.8 points, 5.0 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Not to be outdone, Wilkes has put up 17.8 points a game during that span.
After the Bruins won the sole game against the Buffaloes last season, 104-89, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. UCLA made 19 of its 31 three pointers (61.3 percent). Colorado, meanwhile, did a great job of making free throws (27-38; 71.1 percent).
Colorado Buffaloes at UCLA Bruins ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – UCLA, ATS Winner – Colorado, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Colorado is 1-7-1 ATS on the road with 5 unders and 4 overs.
UCLA is 5-5 ATS at home with 5 overs and 4 unders.
Colorado averages 39.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 48th in the NCAA. UCLA ranks 183rd in rebounds allowed per game (36.5).
The Buffaloes rank 154th in three pointers allowed per game (22.8) while the Bruins rank 243rd (25.8).
UCLA ranks 12th in blocks allowed per game (2.2) while Colorado ranks 100th (3.7).
The Bruins rank 101st in steals per game (6.5) while the Buffaloes rank 168th in steals allowed per game (7.8).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Colorado is 2-2-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
UCLA is 4-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Buffaloes have been outscored by an average of 6.8 points in their last five games. On the season, Colorado has defeated opponents by an average of 0.5 points.
During their last five games, the Bruins have scored an average of 91.8 points per game (6.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 78.0 points per game (1.4 above their season average).
