The UCLA Bruins (20-10, 11-7 Pac-12) square off against the Stanford Cardinal (18-14, 12-7 Pac-12) in the Pac-12 Conference Tournament at T-Mobile Arena. The game can be seen on Pac-12 Network at 5:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 8, 2018.
Stanford Cardinal vs. UCLA Bruins Free Prediction
The last time the Cardinal played, they blew out the California Golden Bears, 76-58. The Cardinal held the Golden Bears to an effective field goal percentage of 0.331 (below their season average of 0.450). The Golden Bears had a free throw rate of 0.155 (below their season average of 0.260). With 19 points on 7-for-11 shooting, Reid Travis was the game’s high scorer.
The Bruins defeated the USC Trojans in their last matchup, 83-72. UCLA made 13 of their 27 three pointers (48.1 percent). USC, meanwhile, had a turnover percentage of 6.4 (better than their season average of 13.5). Aaron Holiday was the game’s high scorer with 34 points on 11-for-16 shooting.
UCLA should be expected to protect the ball well in this contest. UCLA ranks 51st in the NCAA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.7 percent), while Stanford forces the 51st-fewest turnovers (16.5 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Travis (22.6 points and 10.8 rebounds) has been fantastic for the Cardinal while Holiday (22.0 points and 6.8 assists) has contributed greatly to the Bruins.
Both teams have won a game in the season series. The Bruins won the most recent matchup 89-73. The Bruins knocked down 23 of their 25 free throws (92.0 percent) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.623 vs. 0.525). Daejon Davis finished with 23 points and 10 assists.
Stanford Cardinal vs. UCLA Bruins Betting Pick
Free Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Stanford, ATS Winner – Stanford, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
UCLA ranks 83rd in three pointers attempted per game (24.0) while Stanford ranks 281st (17.9).
The Cardinal rank 34th in rebounds per game (38.6) while the Bruins rank 206th in rebounds allowed per game (36.1).
UCLA ranks 31st in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while Stanford ranks 195th (4.5).
The Cardinal average 13.6 assists per game, which ranks 142nd in the NCAA. The Bruins rank 197th in assists allowed per game (14.2).
UCLA ranks 167th in steals per game (5.7) while Stanford ranks 182nd in steals allowed per game (6.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Cardinal’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.8, up from 1.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bruins have scored an average of 79.6 points per game (2.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 76.4 points per game (0.2 above their season average).
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