Cal State Bakersfield vs. UCLA Prediction and Odds: Fade the Bruins Hype

UCLA looks to follow up on their miraculous Final Four appearance last season with another deep run. Before we get there, let's see how the Bruins handle their non-conference schedule, starting on Tuesday night against Cal State Bakersfield.

Mick Cronin and the Bruins are No. 2 in the country in the preseason poll, and have a big matchup against No. 4 Villanova on Friday night, could they be caught looking ahead?

Let's check out the odds first, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Cal State Bakersfield vs. UCLA Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Cal State Bakersfield: +19.5
• UCLA: -19.5

Moneyline:

• Cal State Bakersfield: +1000
• UCLA: -1900

Total: 135 (Over -110/Under -110)

Cal State Bakersfield vs. UCLA Pick and Prediction

I'm not as high as the market is on the Bruins heading into this year, who were in the First Four, should've lost in said game to Michigan State, only to make a run to the Final Four, changing the perception around the team heading into 2021-2022. Of course, I expect them to take care of business at home in this spot, but I'm siding with Cal State Bakersfield to cover.

While CSB is nothing to call home about, they are an experienced roster that played at an incredibly slow pace last year. The Roadrunners ironically played at the 13th slowest tempo in the country last season, per KenPom. The team also did a fantastic job rebounding, posting the third highest offensive rebounding percentage in the nation.

They will be facing a UCLA team that is also very deliberate on offense, 15th slowest pace last season, and also have a big game on Friday night, as mentioned earlier. This game can turn into a slog and I can see Cronin pulling the plug early and the score a bit closer than expected.

I'll take the points with a local underdog.

Pick: Cal State Bakersfield +19.5