The UCLA Bruins and the Marquette Golden Eagles meet Monday in college basketball action from Stan Sheriff Center. UCLA is rolling along nicely at 3-0 so far. The Bruins beat LIU in their last outing. As for Marquette, they’re 3-0 as well following a win over Illinois last Tuesday. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.
UCLA Bruins
The Bruins kicked things off this year with a matchup versus St. Francis, cruising to a 75-44 blowout victory. UCLA hit 50.9 percent from the field in that one, but only 22.2 percent (2-of-9) from outside. Game two was another routine win for the Bruins, this time 68-50 over Lafayette. UCLA held the Leopards to just 17 second-half points.
The Bruins kept it going in their latest matchup on Wednesday versus Long Island U. UCLA posted a 35-17 run in the first half and ended up winning 78-58. Adem Bona doubled up on 20 points and 11 rebounds, and Aday Mara added 14 points with four rebounds in the big victory.
Marquette Golden Eagles
Over on the Eagles’ side, they had a couple of pretty routine matchups in their first two games themselves. Marquette beat Northern Illinois 92-70 in their opener, hitting 52.2 percent from the field along the way. Game two was another big win over Rider 95-65, as Marquette hit 54.8 percent from the field and 43.3 percent (13-of-30) from 3-point range.
The Golden Eagles’ first big test of the year came last Tuesday in a road matchup versus Illinois. The Eagles scored 36 points in the first half and 35 more in the second for a 71-64 win. Tyler Kolek led the way on 24 points with six rebounds and four assists. Kameron Jones chipped in with 15 points and five rebounds as well.
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’m going to stay with Marquette. This should be a pretty interesting matchup, though. The Eagles are well-rested after a nice Tuesday win over Illinois. Marquette held the Illini to just 35.0 percent shooting from the field in that one, and hit 43.5 percent overall themselves. The Eagles hit just 5-of-17 (29.4 percent) from 3-point range and 12-of-20 (60 percent) from the line however, so there’s room for improvement.
As for UCLA, I think they’ll post a solid showing here. The Bruins out-rebounded LIU 44-25 in their last game but coughed up 14 turnovers and came up empty (0-of-6) from outside. UCLA is going to need to make the most of their quality looks in this matchup—they won’t come easily—and in the end I don’t think they’ll quite cover.
