It will be a battle between Pac-12 opponents when the UCLA Bruins (9-3) welcome the Washington State Cougars (8-4) to Pauley Pavilion. The game starts at 11 p.m. ET on Friday, December 29, 2017, and will air on ESPN2.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 159 points with UCLA set as a 14-point favorite.
Washington State Cougars at UCLA Bruins Free Prediction
The Cougars come in on a high note after thoroughly outplaying the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats in their last game, 86-58. Making free throws was one of Washington State’s biggest advantages. They were 19-22 (86.4 percent), while the Wildcats were just 8-17 (47.1 percent). With 28 points on 8-for-17 shooting, Robert Franks was the game’s leading scorer.
The last time the Bruins played, they defeated the No. 7 Kentucky Wildcats, 83-75. One of UCLA’s biggest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 13-15 (86.7 percent), while the Wildcats were just 11-16 (68.8 percent). With 13 points and 11 rebounds, Thomas Welsh had a solid game for UCLA.
This game should be a battle of opposite paces. UCLA has preferred to play up-tempo (20th in possessions per game), while Washington State has been more methodical (158th in possessions per game). Moreover, the Cougars, who rank 320th in offensive rebounding percentage (23.2 percent), might struggle to get second chance points against the Bruins, who rank 55th in defensive rebounding percentage (74.7 percent).
Washington State heads into the game with records of 8-4 straight up (SU) and 8-3 against the spread (ATS). Vegas tends to set the total high when the Cougars are involved, as 63.6 percent of their games have finished under the O/U total.
UCLA has an outstanding 9-3 SU record, but they struggle covering the spread (4-8 ATS). Unlike Washington State, Bruins games have a tendency to finish over the total (63.6 percent).
After the Bruins won both games against the Cougars last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, UCLA won 77-68. The Bruins knocked down 16 of their 21 free throws (76.2 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (10.2 vs. 15.0).
Washington State Cougars vs. UCLA Bruins Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – UCLA, ATS Winner – UCLA, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Washington State is 4-2 ATS on the road with 3 overs and 3 unders.
At home, UCLA is 2-5 ATS with 4 overs and 2 unders.
Washington State averages 30.4 three pointers per game, which ranks seventh in the NCAA. UCLA ranks 224th in three pointers allowed per game (25.6).
The Bruins average 40.9 rebounds per game, which ranks 19th in the nation. The Cougars rank 223rd in rebounds allowed per game (38.1).
Washington State ranks 35th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while UCLA ranks 119th (6.8).
The Bruins rank 74th in assists per game (15.6) while the Cougars rank 128th in assists allowed per game (13.3).
UCLA allows the sixth-fewest blocks per game (2.0) while Washington State ranks 45th (2.7).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Washington State is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
UCLA is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Cougars’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.8, down from 3.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bruins have scored an average of 81.2 points per game (1.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 77.0 points per game (0.9 above their season average).
