The No. 7 Kentucky Wildcats (9-1) square off with the UCLA Bruins (8-3) at Smoothie King Center. The game starts at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 23, 2017.
UCLA Bruins vs. Kentucky Wildcats ATS Prediction
In the Bruins’ last matchup, they defeated the South Dakota Coyotes, 85-82. The Bruins had a better free throw rate (0.258 vs. 0.200) and had a turnover percentage of 14.4 (better than their season average of 15.5). With 19 points on 7-for-14 shooting, Thomas Welsh was UCLA’s high scorer.
The Wildcats beat the Virginia Tech Hokies in their last contest, 93-86. The Wildcats had a turnover percentage of 12.3 (better than their season average of 18.4) and held the Hokies to an offensive rebounding percentage of 24.0 (below the 30.7 mark opponents have averaged against Kentucky this season). Kevin Knox was the top scorer from either team with 21 points on 7-for-15 shooting.
The battle on the backboards could prove decisive, pitting strength against strength. The Wildcats rank 16th in offensive rebounding percentage (37.3 percent), while UCLA ranks 24th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.0 percent).
After splitting two games last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. The Wildcats won the most recent game 86-75. The Wildcats had a much better turnover percentage (7.8 vs. 17.6) and had a better free throw rate (0.222 vs. 0.145).
UCLA Bruins vs. Kentucky Wildcats Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Kentucky, ATS Winner – Kentucky, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Kentucky ranks 35th in rebounds per game (40.1) while UCLA ranks 169th in rebounds allowed per game (36.1).
The Bruins rank 176th in three pointers attempted per game (21.1) while the Wildcats rank 283rd (14.0).
UCLA averages 15.7 assists per game, which ranks 66th in the NCAA. Kentucky ranks 140th in assists allowed per game (13.7).
The Bruins rank ninth in blocks allowed per game (1.9) while the Wildcats rank 66th (3.0).
Kentucky averages 6.6 steals per game, which ranks 106th in the nation. UCLA ranks 113th in steals allowed per game (6.6).
Bettings Trends:
The Bruins’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.4, down from 6.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 91.6 points per game (10.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 74.4 points per game (5.2 above their season average).
