The Northwestern Wildcats (22-11) have been a pleasant surprise as they reached second in the Big Ten college basketball standings. Now they meet the UCLA Bruins, one of the teams with the best odds to win March Madness.
It is not far-fetched that a March Madness perfect bracket is still out there since there have not been many upsets, but the Wildcats have to hope that changes.
This game figures to not be one of the more appealing NCAA basketball games today because it is two great defensive teams. But those who enjoy defense should enjoy this game. Here are the odds, injuries, analysis of the teams, and a Northwestern vs UCLA prediction.
Northwestern Wildcats vs. UCLA Bruins Odds
Northwestern Wildcats vs. UCLA Bruins Information
Northwestern Wildcats vs UCLA Bruins
Location: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA.
Date and Time: Saturday, March 17, 2023. 6:40 PM ET
How to Watch: TNT | https://livestreamsports.co/
Updates for Northwestern Wildcats vs. UCLA Bruins
UCLA (30-5) could get a lift from the college basketball injury report if forward Adem Bona – who is listed as questionable – can return from a shoulder injury.
That comes after losing one of the best college basketball players and Pac-12 defensive player of the year Jaylen Clark, to an Achilles injury. Bona could certainly influence a Northwestern vs UCLA prediction against the spread if he plays.
Northwestern Wildcats vs. UCLA Bruins Betting Preview
The NCAAB odds show UCLA is favored by eight points and is -380 on the moneyline. Northwestern is +300 on the moneyline with an over/under of 127 points. UCLA’s implied team total is 67.5 points, while Northwestern’s 59.5, with -115 odds on each side of the totals for the NCAA basketball teams.
This is the second meeting between the two programs, with the last one a 95-79 UCLA win on November 29, 2013. The Bruins were favored by 15 points and covered. But the two teams are different from their last meeting on the NCAAB schedule.
The Wildcats are 20th in holding teams to 62.3 points per game, 45th in allowing 41.2% of field goal attempts to go down, and 181st in allowing 33.9% of 3-point shots. Offensively, though, Northwestern is 290th in scoring 67.7 points per game, 341st in making 40.9% of field goal attempts, and 292nd in making 32.3% of 3-point shots.
Overview of the UCLA Bruins’ recent performance
The Bruins won the Pac-12 regular-season title but lost in the tournament title to Arizona, which lost to Princeton in their first-round game. But UCLA is seventh defensively in allowing 60.1 points per game, 31st in holding teams to 40.7% on field goal attempts, and 46th in allowing 31.1% of 3-point shots to go down.
Offensively, the Bruins are 119th in scoring 74.2 points per game, 84th in making 46.1% of field goal attempts, and 149th in making 34.9% of 3-point shots.
The battle between guard Tyger Campbell (UCLA) and Boo Buie (Northwestern) are going to be worth watching. Campbell is more of a floor general and defensive stopper, while Buie can score at all three levels and has a quick first step going toward the basket.
Those betting on March Madness like the Bruins a lot despite Clark’s and Bona’s injuries because of their Ken Pomeroy ratings. Every team since 2002 who ranked top 40 in adjusted offensive efficiency and top 25 in adjusted defensive efficiency have won the national title. The Bruins rank 21st in adjusted offensive efficiency and first in adjusted defensive efficiency.
Northwestern Wildcats vs. UCLA Bruins Betting Prediction
Those making college basketball picks today and who have made their bets publicly available show 55% are on UCLA against the spread and 66% are on the over. Our Northwestern vs UCLA prediction agrees and disagrees.
We like the Bruins to cover the eight points but still think the game goes under because of how focused each program is on the defensive end. Of course, this could change if Bona plays.
Betting on this event:
Bet on UCLA to deliver!
- As for the correct score, go with UCLA 68 – 55 Northwestern.
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