California vs. UCLA Prediction and Odds (Golden Bears Lack the Offensive Power to Keep Pace with the Bruins)

The California Golden Bears are in serious danger of losing their sixth straight game when they head to the Pauley Pavilion to take on the No. 7 UCLA Bruins tonight. These two Pac-12 teams couldn't be more different and are on divergent paths right now. 

The Bruins enter this game with a 14-2 overall record and lead the conference at 6-1. UCLA is on a four-game win streak and has reeled off six wins in their last seven contests. Their lone loss in the Pac-12 came at the hand of Oregon in overtime. The Bruins have earned their ranking and are a dangerous team both in and out of conference play. 

The Golden Bears, meanwhile, are 10th in the conference with a 2-6 record in the Pac-12 and are pretty much dead in the water. Their last win was the day after New Year’s against Arizona State.

Here are the odds for this Pac-12 showdown, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

California vs. UCLA Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

• California +16 (-110)
• UCLA -16 (-110)

Moneyline:

• California N/A
• UCLA N/A

Total: 129.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

California vs. UCLA Prediction and Pick

The Golden Bears do have one thing going for them in this game. Their defense. On the season, and despite playing some very good teams, Cal’s defense ranks 47th in the nation in overall scoring. The Golden Bears are also eighth in the league at limiting assists and 46th in opponent effective field goal percentage. That is about where the good news ends for Cal as the rest of their metrics are way off the pace of UCLA. The Golden Bear’s offense ranks 292nd in scoring at 64.9 PPG and 126th in rebounds per game. Cal shoots less than 48 percent from two-point range and less than 44 percent overall. 

The fact remains that, defense or not, the Golden Bears don’t have the firepower to keep up on the offensive side of the court. The Bruins have the 21st ranked offense in the nation and averaged 78.6 points per contest. They shoot over 36.7 percent from deep and their assist to turnover ratio is in the top 10 overall. Their defense is not the best, but with their offense firing on all cylinders, it doesn’t have to be. 

With the Golden Bears struggling to avoid getting blown out recently, It’s hard for me to trust that they will keep this game close. They just flat out don’t score enough points to stick with teams like UCLA. 

Lean: UCLA -16 (-110)