Washington State vs. UCLA Prediction and Odds (Which of these Struggling Rivals is the Right Play?)

The No. 13 UCLA Bruins need to get their season back on track in a hurry. The Bruins were 16-2 a few weeks and on track to take the Pac-12 title. Cut to today and the Bruins are 1-3 in their last four games and have fallen to fourth in the conference. Two of those losses were to ranked teams but if UCLA wants to prove they can make a run, those are the games they need to win. The Washington State Cougars are in a similar boat, having lost three in a row heading into Thursday night. The difference is that the Cougars weren’t doing all that great before and have been slowly falling apart after starting the season 5-0. Here are the odds for this Pac-12 matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Washington State vs. UCLA Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread: 

• Washington State +9.5 (-110)
• UCLA -9.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Washington State +350
• UCLA -450

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

Washington State vs. UCLA Prediction and Pick

Both of these teams were playing well up until about two weeks ago but have fallen well off the pace recently. The Cougars are still on the hunt for a first-round bye in the Pac-12 tournament and are the sixth seed if the tournament started today. The big issue with the Cougars continues to be their offense. Their scoring offense ranks 141st and their effective field goal shooting is 242nd in the nation. The defense is very good in contrast. They rank 21st in the nation in scoring and hold opponents to an effective field goal percentage of 46. 

The Bruins don’t have issues on the offensive side of things and rank 3th in scoring and 49th in rebounds per game at 37.7. While their shooting percentages could be better, overall the Bruins are getting the job done. Except when they aren't. This has been the case during their recent struggles and the Bruins were held to 64 points against USC and 66 against Arizona a few days prior. With the spread pushing double digits, a total under 130, and a favorite that is struggling, I'll take the dogs every time.

Pick: Washington State +9.5

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE