The Purdue Boilermakers and UCLA Bruins meet on Friday in college basketball action at Mackey Arena. Here’s a Purdue vs UCLA Prediction. This article will include a Purdue vs UCLA Pick.
UCLA Bruins Betting Preview
The UCLA Bruins (20-8, 16-11-1 ATS) were on a fantastic run from mid-January to early February during which they recorded seven straight wins. UCLA defeated three ranked teams in that stretch: Wisconsin, Oregon, and Michigan State. The Bruins did lose two of the last four, falling short to Illinois and Minnesota and beating Indiana and Ohio State. UCLA is 5th in the Big Ten Standings, and although they cannot finish in the top 2, the Bruins will try to stay among the top 6 before the conference tourney starts.
UCLA averages 74.8 PPG (164th) and allows 64.6 PPG (21st). The Bruins are 361st in rebounds (35.5) and 63rd in assists (15.6). Tyler Bilodeau leads the team with 13.9 PPG and 4.4 RPG. Eric Dailey Jr. follows him with 11.6 PPG, 4.1 RPG, and 1.3 SPG, while Sebastian Mack has 9.9 PPG, 2.0 RPG, and 1.0 SPG.
Purdue Boilermakers Betting Preview
The Purdue Boilermakers (19-9, 15-13 ATS) are experiencing their worst period of the season after losing each of the previous four games. Purdue suffered defeats to Michigan, Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Indiana, and although three of those losses came to ranked teams and three of those losses came on the road, I don’t know how the Boilermakers are still among the top 25 ranked in the country. Purdue is now 6th in the Big Ten Standings with the same record as UCLA and must beat the Bruins and Rutgers in the next two home games if they want to finish among the top 4 in the conference.
Purdue is averaging 77.5 PPG (90th) and is allowing 70.1 PPG (121st). The Boilermakers are getting 32.4 RPG (366th) and dish out 16.3 APG (46th). Trey Kaufman-Renn is the team’s top scorer with 19.2 PPG, a team-high 6.1 RPG, and 2.4 APG. Braden Smith adds 15.8 PPG, 4.6 RPG, a team-high 8.7 APG, and a team-high 2.3 SPG, while Fletcher Loyer contributes 13.9 PPG and 2.4 RPG.
Why UCLA will beat Purdue
- UCLA has won eight of its last nine night games following a home win.
- Purdue has lost each of its last four games.
- UCLA has won the first half in eight of its last nine games against the Big Ten Conference.
Why Purdue will beat UCLA
- Purdue has won 32 of its last 33 games at Mackey Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Purdue has won the first half in 25 of its last 27 night games at Mackey Arena.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Purdue’s last seven night games against the Big Ten Conference have produced a total of 141+ points.
- Six of UCLA’s last seven games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 140 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Purdue ranks 9th among Division 1 teams for field goal percentage this season (49.2%).
- Purdue ranks 355th among Division 1 teams for blocks per game this season (1.8).
- UCLA ranks 7th among Division 1 teams for opponent field goal attempts per game this season (51.6).
- UCLA ranks 12th among Division 1 teams for opponent turnovers per game this season (15.6).
Purdue vs UCLA Prediction
Purdue combined for just 124 points in the last two games, but those were played on the road, and at home, it’s a whole different story. The Boilermakers are much more efficient at Mackey Arena, where they scored 80+ in six of the previous eight games. UCLA has an elite defense, and it won’t be easy, but I am backing Purdue to go 75+ in this one. Also, I expect a solid contribution from teh visitors as well to help us win the Over bet. UCLA has hit the game total Over in 9 of its last 13 away games, which is a good sign for us here.