Arizona Wildcats (23-6) vs. UCLA Bruins (14-15)
March 7, 2024 9:30 pm EDT
The Line: UCLA Bruins +9.5; Over/Under: +146.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Arizona Wildcats will play the UCLA Bruins in a PAC-12 game on Thursday night at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, California. Let’s take a look at the Arizona preview, UCLA preview, betting matchup, and the Arizona vs UCLA prediction.
Arizona Preview
The Arizona Wildcats are 23-6 (14-4) this year after they defeated Oregon by a score of 103-83 in their last game. Arizona led 51-30 at halftime, but was out scored 53-52 in the second half in the win. The Wildcats shot 60.9% from the field and made 14 three pointers in the game. Arizona has won nine of their last ten games, with the lone loss coming against Washington State at home. The Wildcats are scoring 90.3 points per game with 43.1 rebounds per game and 19.2 assists per game, while allowing 73.3 points against per game this year. Caleb Love is averaging 19.4 points per game, 5.1 rebounds per game, and 3.5 assists per game. Arizona is shooting 49.5% from the field, 72.3% on free throws, and 37.7% on three pointers this season.
UCLA Preview
The UCLA Bruins are 14-15 (9-9) this season after they lost to Washington State by a score of 77-65 in their last game. UCLA trailed 40-32 at halftime and only managed 33 second half points in the loss. The Bruins shot 47.2% from the field and were -15 in rebounding margin in the game. UCLA has also lost to Washington, USC, and Utah during this losing streak. The Bruins are scoring 66.2 points per game with 34.2 rebounds per game and 11.2 assists per game, while giving up 65.5 points against per game this season. Sebastian Mack is averaging 12.8 points per game, 3.6 rebounds per game, and 1.7 assists per game. UCLA is shooting 41.7% from the field, 73.3% on free throws, and 31.8% on three pointers this year.
Arizona vs UCLA Betting Prediction
Arizona rolls into this game after winning nine of their last ten games and they are currently holding a slim lead in the PAC-12 standings over Washington State. The Wildcats have one of the best offensive attacks in the country and they are scoring over 90 points per game this season. UCLA is a much lower scoring team and they are only shooting 41.7% from the field, but they are one of the best defensive teams in the conference. Arizona won the other meeting with UCLA by a score of 77-71 earlier this season. I do think UCLA will play better in this game as they try to bounce back, but Arizona’s offense is going to be too much for them. Take the Wildcats on the road.
