It will be a battle between Pac-12 opponents when the Oregon State Beavers (10-7, 2-3 Pac-12) welcome the UCLA Bruins (13-5, 4-2 Pac-12) to Gill Coliseum. The game begins at 11 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 18, 2018.
UCLA is a 2-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 148 points.
UCLA Bruins at Oregon State Beavers Free Prediction
In the Bruins’ last matchup, they were beaten by the Colorado Buffaloes, 68-59. Colorado’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over UCLA. The Buffaloes had a rate of 0.255 (above their season average of 0.252), while the Bruins posted a mark of 0.129 (below their season average of 0.285). Thomas Welsh led UCLA in scoring with 20 points on 9-for-10 shooting.
The Beavers lost a tough one against the No. 11 Arizona State Sun Devils in their last matchup, 77-75. Arizona State’s free throw rate was their largest strength over Oregon State. The Sun Devils had a rate of 0.281 (below their season average of 0.357), while the Beavers posted a mark of 0.092 (below their season average of 0.299). With 18 points and 10 rebounds, Oregon State’s Tres Tinkle had a good game.
This contest should be a battle of opposite tempos. UCLA has preferred to play up-tempo (30th in possessions per game), while Oregon State has been more methodical (276th in possessions per game).
UCLA comes into the contest with records of 13-5 straight up (SU) and 8-10 against the spread (ATS). Vegas tends to set the total low when the Bruins are involved, as 58.8 percent of their games have ended over the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Oregon State owns records of 10-7 SU and 7-10 ATS. Contrary to UCLA, Beavers games have typically gone under the total (56.3 percent).
Kris Wilkes has averaged 17.6 points and 1.2 steals over the last five games for UCLA.
After the Bruins won both meetings against the Beavers last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last matchup, UCLA won 78-60. The Bruins had a much better turnover percentage (12.1 vs. 17.5) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.0 vs. 22.2).
UCLA Bruins at Oregon State Beavers Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – UCLA, ATS Winner – UCLA, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
UCLA is 3-4 ATS on the road with 5 overs and 2 unders.
Oregon State is 3-7 ATS at home with 5 unders and 4 overs.
Oregon State ranks 79th in three pointers allowed per game (20.6) while UCLA ranks 242nd (25.6).
The Beavers rank 50th in rebounds allowed per game (32.2) while the Bruins rank 187th (36.3).
Oregon State ranks 40th in assists allowed per game (11.5) while UCLA ranks 134th (13.6).
The Bruins allow the 18th-fewest blocks per game (2.3) while the Beavers rank 52nd (2.9).
UCLA averages 6.4 steals per game, which ranks 104th in the nation. Oregon State ranks 122nd in steals allowed per game (6.7).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, UCLA is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Oregon State is 4-1 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Bruins’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.2, up from 7.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Beavers have scored an average of 68.8 points per game (5.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.2 points per game (3.5 below their season average).
