It will be a battle between Pac-12 opponents when the California Golden Bears (7-8, 1-1 Pac-12) welcome the UCLA Bruins (11-4, 2-1 Pac-12) to Haas Pavilion. The game can be seen on Pac-12 Network at 6:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 6, 2018.
UCLA Bruins at California Golden Bears Betting Prediction
The last time the Bruins played, they were topped by the Stanford Cardinal, 107-99. Stanford’s 26.2 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over UCLA, who had a rate of 20.8. The Cardinal’s mark was below their season average of 31.3, while the Bruins’ was below their season average of 30.5. Aaron Holiday was the top scorer from either team with 31 points on 10-for-21 shooting.
The Golden Bears lost big to the No. 25 USC Trojans in their last contest, 80-62. USC’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over California. The Trojans had a rate of 12.9 (better than their season average of 14.0), while the Golden Bears posted a mark of 25.8 (above their season average of 17.9). California’s Justice Sueing had a good game, leading the team in scoring with 15 points on 6-for-16 shooting.
UCLA could put on a ball-control clinic in this battle. UCLA ranks 57th in the nation at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.9 percent), while California forces the 100th-fewest turnovers (18.2 percent).
Holiday has averaged 19.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists over the last five games for UCLA.
After the Bruins won the lone contest against the Golden Bears last season, 81-71, these teams will battle for the first time this year. The Bruins knocked down 20 of their 23 free throws (87.0 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (11.1 vs. 14.5).
UCLA Bruins at California Golden Bears Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – UCLA, ATS Winner – UCLA, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
UCLA ranks 132nd in three pointers attempted per game (22.5) while California ranks 280th (14.3).
The Bruins rank 100th in assists per game (14.9) while the Golden Bears rank 240th (10.9).
UCLA ranks 16th in rebounds per game (41.3) while California ranks 111th (37.0).
The Bruins rank 16th in blocks allowed per game (2.2) while the Golden Bears rank 91st (3.5).
Bettings Trends:
The Bruins’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.6, up from 7.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Golden Bears have scored an average of 79.2 points per game (4.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 81.6 points per game (1.9 above their season average).
