Michigan (11-3) vs. UCLA (11-3)
January 7, 2025 10:00 pm EDT
The Line: UCLA -3.5; Over/Under: 141
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article, we will formulate a UCLA vs Michigan Prediction for this college basketball game on Tuesday, January 7th, at the Pauley Pavillion. Let’s take a look at a UCLA Bruins vs Michigan Wolverines Pick.
Michigan is Playing Well
Michigan is playing well right now, and they have a ton of confidence. Two games ago against Western Kentucky, Michigan scored 112 points and they ended up cruising to the victory. In the last game against USC, Michigan scored 85 points, and they ended up winning by 11 points. Michigan shot 52.7 percent from the field and 41.7 percent from behind the three-point line. Daniel Wolf had a strong game putting up 21 points, 13 rebounds, and three assists. There were five different players that put up at least 11 points. Tre Donaldson put up 16 points, six rebounds, and two assists.
Michigan is averaging 84.1 points while their defense is giving up 67.1 points per game. The offense is ranked 27th in the league while the defense is ranked 82nd. They are shooting 51.3 percent from the field which is 4th best in the league. Vladislav Goldin is averaging 13.7 points while shooting 67.6 percent from the field. There are five different players that are averaging at least 10 points per game.
Why Michigan Will Beat UCLA
- Michigan has won eight of its last 10 night games.
- UCLA has lost seven of its last nine games against AP-ranked opponents
UCLA Looks to Bounce Back
UCLA had been playing really well heading into the last game, but in the last game against Nebraska, they really struggled. UCLA only scored 58 points, while the defense gave up 66 points which led to the defeat. Tyler Bildeeau had a strong game putting up 15 points and five rebounds. UCLA only shot 38.6 percent from the field and 14.3 percent from behind the three-point line. The defense was good enough, still, it was just the offense that wasn’t good enough.
UCLA on the season is averaging 76 points while their defense is giving up 59.2 points per game. The offense is ranked 168th in the league while the defense is ranked 6th. This is a great defensive team, but the offense just hasn’t been good enough overall. Tyler Bildeau is having a strong season averaging 14.5 points while shooting 50 percent from the field and 40.9 percent from behind the three-point line.
Why UCLA Will Beat Michigan
- UCLA has won each of its last nine night games at Edwin W. Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescon.
- Michigan has lost 13 of its last 15 night games against Conference opponents.
- Michigan has lost the first half in each of its last seven night games against Conference opponents.
UCLA vs Michigan Prediction
One thing you know when UCLA is playing, it’s going to be a low-scoring game. UCLA’s defense is giving up only 95.2 points per game and they are going to really step up here. Michigan’s offense has been good overall this season, but in this game, they are going to really struggle to get any sort of offense going here. UCLA’s offense also won’t pull away, and that will lead to this game staying under the total. Back the under to cash.
