In this article, we will formulate a Rutgers vs UCLA prediction for this College Basketball game on Monday, January 13th at Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway, New Jersey. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Preview
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are 8-8 (1-4) this year after they lost to Purdue by a score of 68-50 in their last game. Rutgers trailed 33-24 at halftime and only scored 26 points in the second half in the loss. The Scarlet Knights shot 32.7% from the field, 30.4% on three-pointers, and 81.8% on free throws in the game. Ace Bailey led Rutgers with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Tyson Acuff added 10 points and five rebounds in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Scarlet Knights lost to Wisconsin by a score of 75-63 and Indiana by a score of 84-74. Rutgers has lost three games in a row, but they did win three out of the previous four games. Rutgers has scored 76.4 points per game and they have allowed 74.6 points per game, while also averaging 36.9 rebounds and 13.4 assists per game this year. Dylan Harper is averaging 20.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, while Ace Bailey is averaging 18.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game this season. Rutgers is shooting 44.5% from the field, 70.1% on free throws, and 32.6% on three-pointers this year.
UCLA Bruins Betting Preview
The UCLA Bruins are 11-5 (2-3) this season after they lost to Maryland by a score of 79-61 in their last game. UCLA trailed 40-36 at halftime and they only scored 25 points in the second half in the loss. The Bruins shot 41.5% from the field, 33.3% on three-pointers, and 78.6% on free throws in the game. Tyler Bilodeau led UCLA with 18 points and four rebounds, while Trent Perry added 10 points and four rebounds in the loss.
Prior to that game, the Bruins lost to Michigan by a score of 94-75 and Nebraska by a score of 66-58. UCLA has lost four of their last five games, but they did win the previous nine games. UCLA has scored 75.0 points per game and they have allowed 62.6 points per game, while also averaging 33.8 rebounds and 15.8 assists per game this season. Tyler Bilodeau is averaging 14.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, while Eric Dailey Jr. is averaging 11.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game this year. UCLA is shooting 46.1% from the field, 69.4% on free throws, and 33.3% on three-pointers this season.
Why Rutgers will beat UCLA
- Rutgers has won 24 of its last 26 games at Jersey Mike’s Arena when playing with a rest advantage.
- UCLA has lost four of its last five games.
- UCLA has lost the first half in three of its last four games against the Big Ten Conference.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Rutgers’ last eight games against AP-ranked opponents at Jersey Mike’s Arena have produced a total of 134 or fewer points.
- Twenty-four of UCLA’s last 30 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 136 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Rutgers ranks 12th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw percentage this season (65.9%).
- Rutgers ranks T28th among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (5.4).
- UCLA ranks 4th among Division 1 teams for opponent turnovers per game this season (17.6).
- UCLA ranks 5th among Division 1 teams for opponent field goal attempts per game this season (50.5).
Rutgers vs UCLA Prediction
Both of these teams come into this matchup looking to snap a three-game losing streak, but Rutgers will be at home for this contest. Rutgers is shooting just 44.5% from the field this year and they have scored 50 and 63 points in their last two games. UCLA has very similar offensive numbers to Rutgers and they have scored 61 and 58 points in two of their last three games. The Bruins are one of the best defensive teams in the country, allowing just 62.6 points per game, but they have allowed 79 and 94 points in their last two games. This is such a big game for both teams, but I have to side with Rutgers at home. The Scarlet Knights have the offense to break down UCLA and I just don’t trust this UCLA offense on the road. Take Rutgers here.