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UCLA vs Iowa Prediction 1/17/25 College Basketball Picks Today

Iowa (12-5) vs. UCLA (11-6)
January 17, 2025 9:00 pm EDT
The Line: UCLA -6.5; Over/Under: 153
(Get latest betting odds)

In this article, we will formulate a UCLA vs Iowa Prediction for this college basketball game on Friday, January 17th, at the Pauley Pavillion.  Let’s take a look at a UCLA Bruins vs Iowa Hawkeyes Pick.

UCLA is Suddenly Struggling

UCLA is suddenly struggling heading into this game and they lost four games in a row. Two games ago against Maryland, they lost 79-61, and in the last game against Rutgers, they lost 75-68. UCLA’s defense hasn’t been as good as late and they are going to need the defense to be a whole lot better here. Earlier in the season they leaned on the defense and they need to get back to playing defense here. Eric Dailey Jr had a strong game putting up 16 points, three rebounds, and three assists. 


At home this season they sit with an 11-6 record and they have gone 9-8 against the spread. The over has hit in six of the 17 games played this season. UCLA is averaging 74.6 points while their defense is giving up 63.4 points per game. The offense is ranked 198th in the league while the defense is ranked 19th. Tyler Bilodeau is averaging 14.4 points while shooting 48.9 percent from the field and 38.8 percent from behind the three-point line. 

Iowa Looks to Bounce Back

Iowa had won two games in a row heading into the last game but they are coming off a loss in the last game. Iowa scored 89 points but the defense gave up 99 points and that led to the defeat. At halftime, they were down 48-32 and in the second half they fought back but they ended up losing by 10 points. Iowa shot 53.3 percent from the field but they allowed USC to shoot 64.9 percent from behind the field. Two games ago against Indiana, the offense scored 85 points and they ended up winning by 25 points. 

Iowa on the season is averaging 89.5 points while their defense is giving up 78 points per game. The offense is ranked 1st in the league while the defense is ranked 323rd. This is a team that can score, but the defense has been a major issue. Owen Freeman has been the top player for Iowa averaging 17.1 points while shooting 64.3 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from behind the three-point line. Iowa will face Minnesota, Penn State, and Ohio State following this one. 

Why Iowa Will Beat UCLA

  • UCLA has lost each of its last four games against the Big Ten Conference.
  • Iowa has won four of its last five night games following a road loss.

UCLA vs Iowa Prediction

Give me Iowa to keep it close. UCLA’s defense has not been as good the last couple of games, and that is going to be the difference here. Iowa’s offense is averaging 89.5 points per game and they are going to have no issue running up the score. Their defense might not be elite, but their offense is going to keep this game close and that will be enough to cover the spread. Back Iowa against the spread. 

 

Shane Mickle's Free Pick: Iowa +6.5

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Shane Mickle

Sports is about all Shane knows in this life! He has a passion for sports and writing, which makes working for Sportschatplace a perfect job for him! If you find him cheering for a team it's usually a Minnesota team, or the Kansas Jayhawks!

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