It will be a battle between Pac-12 opponents when the UCLA Bruins (10-3, 1-0 Pac-12) welcome the Washington Huskies (11-3, 1-0 Pac-12) to Pauley Pavilion. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 31, 2017, and will air on Pac-12 Network.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 162 points with UCLA set as a 9-point favorite.
Washington Huskies vs. UCLA Bruins ATS Prediction
In the Huskies’ last matchup, they defeated the No. 25 USC Trojans, 88-81. Washington had an effective field goal percentage of 0.745 (above their season average of 0.540). USC, meanwhile, did a terrific job of making free throws (18-21; 85.7 percent). With 17 points on 7-for-8 shooting, Noah Dickerson led Washington in scoring.
The Bruins were victorious over the Washington State Cougars in their last game, 96-82. The Bruins held the Cougars to an offensive rebounding percentage of 9.4 (below their season average of 23.2) and had a free throw rate of 0.400 (above their season average of 0.256). Aaron Holiday was the top scorer from either team with 33 points on 11-for-18 shooting.
UCLA appears to have the advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Bruins rank 92nd in offensive efficiency, while Washington ranks 238th in defensive efficiency. Also, the Huskies rank 33rd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.295), while the Bruins rank 59th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.188).
Washington has a superb 11-3 straight up (SU) record, but they struggle covering the spread (5-6-1 against the spread (ATS)). Huskies games tend to finish over the O/U total (58.3 percent).
UCLA has a phenomenal 10-3 SU record, but they have a difficult time covering the spread (5-8 ATS). Similarly to Washington, Bruins games also have typically gone over the total (66.7 percent).
Holiday has averaged 18.6 points, 5.2 assists and 1.2 steals over the last five games for UCLA.
After the Bruins won both contests against the Huskies last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, UCLA won 98-66. UCLA had a much better turnover percentage (9.1 vs. 21.6). Washington, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 23.1).
Washington Huskies vs. UCLA Bruins Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – UCLA, ATS Winner – Washington, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Washington is 3-1 ATS on the road with 3 overs and 1 under.
UCLA is 3-5 ATS at home with 5 overs and 2 unders.
UCLA ranks 19th in rebounds per game (41.1) while Washington ranks 216th (33.7).
The Bruins rank 71st in assists per game (15.6) while the Huskies rank 229th in assists allowed per game (17.6).
Washington averages 8.9 steals per game, which ranks 18th in the NCAA. UCLA ranks 115th in steals allowed per game (6.5).
The Huskies rank 165th in three pointers allowed per game (22.9) while the Bruins rank 243rd (26.3).
Washington ranks 19th in blocks per game (5.7) while UCLA ranks 54th (4.5).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Washington is 1-3 ATS with 3 overs and 1 under.
UCLA is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Huskies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.4, up from 4.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bruins have scored an average of 79.2 points per game (4.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 78.8 points per game (2.3 above their season average).
