Rider (0-0) vs. UCLA (0-0)
November 4, 2024 10:30 pm EDT
The Line: UCLA -20.5; Over/Under: +137.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Rider Broncs and UCLA Bruins meet Monday in college basketball action at the Pauley Pavilion. Here’s a UCLA vs Rider Prediction. This article will include a UCLA vs Rider Pick.
Rider Broncs Betting Preview
The Rider Broncs play San Diego and Coppin State after this game. Rider won 15 games last season and enters year 13 under coach Kevin Baggett.
T.J. Weeks Jr. returns after averaging 10 points and 6.3 rebounds, while Tariq Ingraham averaged 9.3 points and 6.5 rebounds. Ruben Rodriguez played in 279 minutes last season and Tyriek Weeks played in 62 minutes. Rider lost its top two players in Mervin James and Allen Powell, so there’s going to be some growing pains early. Still, Rider has an experienced roster with 11 upperclassmen. Rider starts the season with seven true road games, so it’s going to be sink or swim early before MAAC play.
UCLA Bruins Betting Preview
The UCLA Bruins play New Mexico and Boston U after this game. UCLA won 16 games last season and enters year 6 under coach Mervin James.
Dylan Andrews returns after averaging 12.9 points and 3.7 assists, while Sebastian Mack averaged 12.1 points and 3.6 rebounds. Lazar Stefanovic is a third returning double-digit scorer, and Aday Mara played in 267 minutes last season. UCLA brings back a ton of production from last season, which should lead to better results. UCLA also landed Oklahoma State transfer Eric Dailey Jr. and USC transfer Kobe Johnson. There’s a lot of talent and experience on this UCLA roster, and there’s no reason the Bruins shouldn’t make the big dance to rebound from last year’s struggles.
Why the UCLA Bruins will win
- UCLA has won 17 of its last 19 day games at Edwin W. Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescon.
- Rider has lost eight of its last nine road games against non-Conference opponents.
- Rider has lost the first half in each of its last six games against the Big Ten Conference.
Total Points Facts
- Nine of UCLA’s last 10 games against non-AP-ranked opponents at Edwin W. Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescon have produced a total of 134 or fewer points.
- Each of Rider’s last five day games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 146+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- UCLA ranked T14th among Division 1 teams for opponent field goals made per game last season (22.5).
- UCLA ranked 14th among Division 1 teams for opponent field goal attempts per game last season (52.9).
UCLA vs Rider Prediction
The UCLA Bruins have a nice roster on paper and should be eager to rebound from last year’s issues. This is an ideal spot to set the tone, as Rider doesn’t have a lot of proven production, and it’s going to take some time to hit the ground running. UCLA is a NCAA Tournament team this season and if that rings true, this should be a comfortable season opener at home. Rider has a lot to figure out roster wise despite the experience on the roster. Give me UCLA in a home blowout.
