In this article, we will formulate a UCLA vs Utah State prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, March 20 at the Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this game in the 1st Round of the NCAA Tournament. The winner of this game will meet Tennessee or Wofford in the 2nd Round.
Utah State Aggies Betting Preview
The Utah State Aggies (26-7, 16-16 ATS) were a bit shaky late in the regular season as they lost three of the final six games, losing to New Mexico, Boise State, and Colorado State. The Aggies did beat Air Force and entered the Mountain West tournament as the No. 3 seed. Utah State didn’t have problems with UNLV in the quarterfinals but was stopped by Colorado State, an eventual winner, in the semis.
Utah State is averaging 80.9 PPG (33rd) and is allowing 70.0 PPG (120th). The Aggies are getting 34.6 RPG (247th) and dish out 17.4 APG (14th). Ian Martinez is the team’s top performer with 16.8 PPG, 3.5 RPG, and 2.7 APG. Mason Falslev has 14.9 PPG, a team-high 6.2 RPG, 3.7 APG, and a team-high 2.3 SPG, while Dexter Akanno contributes 8.3 PPG and 3.3 RPG.
UCLA Bruins Betting Preview
The UCLA Bruins (22-10, 18-13-1 ATS) have been fairly inconsistent late in the season as they lost three of the final seven regular-season games. UCLA lost to Illinois, Minnesota, and Purdue, but managed to defeat Northwestern and Utah to secure the No. 4 seed for the Big Ten tournament. UCLA skipped the opening two rounds and joined the tourney in the quarterfinals where Wisconsin dismantled the Bruins 86-70.
UCLA averages 74.8 PPG (156th) and allows 65.7 PPG (27th). The Bruins are 359th in rebounds (32.7) and 39th in assists (16.3). Tyler Bilodeau leads the team with 13.6 PPG and 4.5 RPG. Eric Dailey Jr. follows him with 11.6 PPG, 4.1 RPG, and 1.3 SPG, while Sebastian Mack chips in 10.0 PPG and 2.2 RPG.
Why Utah State will cover
- Utah State has won 20 of its last 22 games against non-conference opponents.
- UCLA has lost six of its last eight games against non-conference opponents at neutral venues.
Total Points Facts
- Nine of UCLA’s last 10 games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue have produced a total of 139 or fewer points.
- Six of Utah State’s last seven night games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 147+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- UCLA ranks 17th among Division 1 teams for opponent turnovers per game this season (15.3).
- UCLA ranks 20th among Division 1 teams for opponent rebounds per game this season (30.9).
- Utah State ranks 7th among Division 1 teams for field goal percentage this season (49.5%).
- Utah State ranks 8th among Division 1 teams for effective field goal percentage this season (57.3%).
UCLA vs Utah State Prediction
These teams will meet for the first time. I am not impressed with how Utah State and UCLA played recently, and although I think the Bruins have a better team and pedigree and tradition is definitely on their side, I don’t think they will have an easy job on Thursday. UCLA does have a stronger defense and that will likely prevail in this game, but I am backing Utah State to stay close, put up a fight, and cover. The Aggies covered six of their previous nine games.