UCLA barely escaped with a win against USC last week, but now it is 14-2 and undefeated in the Pac 12, 5-0. The Bruins will put that winning streak to the test against Utah, who is right behind them at second in the conference.
The Utes are 12-5 and 5-1 in conference play. The No. 7 Bruins are the best team in the conference and might be one of the best teams in the country, but USC might have given the blueprint for teams like Utah to have a puncher’s chance.
Even after a two-point win at home as double-digit favorites, Vegas has the Bruins as big favorites again tonight.
Utah vs. UCLA odds, spread and total
Utah vs. UCLA prediction and pick
This might be my favorite bet of the day, especially with UCLA still missing Amari Bailey. Without him last game, the Bruins struggled to get things going towards the rim and had to settle for a lot of outside shots.
Jaylen Clark led the way with 15 points, but he only shot 5-for-16 and 2-for-7 from 3. Jaime Jaquez had 12 points on 5-for-13 shooting.
For the entire game the Bruins only made 11 two-point field goals. They were able to win because they shoot 37% from 3 on the season and they hit enough shots from outside, but USC’s two point defense gave them huge problems.
The Trojans are No. 3 in the nation in terms of opponent two point field goal percentage and Utah is No. 7.
Utah is ninth in defensive efficiency and they’re led at both ends of the floor by all seven feet of Branden Carlson. Carlson averages 15.7 points, 7.4 boards, and over two blocks a game.
He’ll make it tough for the Bruins to score in the paint and that will hamper their offense severely. The Bruins only managed 60 points against USC and if they go cold from 3 it could be 50 tonight.
Utah is a very live underdog in this game, I wouldn’t be surprised if it wins, but I will be shocked if the Utes don’t cover.
Pick: Utah +12.5 (-115) — BetMGM
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