UCLA has a little bit of room to breathe as it enters the final stretch of conference play. The Bruins have a one-game lead for first place, and anyone making UCLA Bruins vs Utah Utes picks should be able to see that the Bruins are the better team. But when looking at games on the NCAAB schedule, it is also plain to see that even top teams have a hard time winning on the road in conference.
Utah is happy to be back home after a trip to Arizona resulted in two losses. People making Utah Utes picks will see that Utah struggled to solve UCLA’s defense during the first meeting between the programs in Los Angeles. The Utes were limited to 49 points during a 19-point loss.
UCLA Bruins vs. Utah Utes Odds
NCAAB odds show that UCLA is a 7-point favorite. The Bruins are -315 on the moneyline, while Utah is +255. The over/under has been set at 131.5 points.
UCLA Bruins vs. Utah Utes Information
UCLA Bruins vs Utah Utes
Location of the Game: Jon M. Huntsman Center. Salt Lake City, Utah.
Date and Time: Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, 11:00 p.m.
How to Watch: FS1
UCLA Bruins vs. Utah Utes Betting Preview
Experienced Bruins are tough out
When Jamie Jaquez Jr. and Tyger Campbell both decided to return to UCLA, it made the Bruins an instant contender for the conference and national titles. Anyone making UCLA vs Utah picks will see that both players have been excellent this season. Jaquez has been one of the more efficient college basketball players in the country, leading the team with 16.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per game.
UCLA has been fortunate to not have many players end up on the college basketball injury report. Jaylen Clark has also been a key contributor for UCLA, averaging 13.3 points per game. The Bruins have covered the spread in four of their past five games, including as 25-point favorites the last time out against California.
What has allowed UCLA to climb the college basketball standings is its suffocating defense. UCLA Bruins stats show the team limits their opponents to 59.4 points per game. UCLA’s offense has been solid, knocking down 46.5 percent of its field-goal attempts.
Utah needs to shoot efficiently
The Utes are one of those NCAA basketball teams that can be very good. Utah can also struggle to be consistent. The Utes also average 69.8 points per game while shooting 43.7 percent from the field. When it comes to NCAA basketball games today, Utah will be one of the teams the most due to its opponents’ defense.
Anyone looking to back the Utes when making UCLA vs Utah picks will be hoping for a strong performance from center Branden Carlson. Carlson averages 16.4 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. Gabe Madsen also contributes 11.7 points per game for the Utes.
The Utes are 1-5 against the spread over their past six games. Utah has also been involved in a few ugly games, with the total going under in four of the past six games.
UCLA Bruins vs. Utah Utes Betting Picks
Anyone making March Madness picks will have an opportunity to bet on UCLA once the postseason rolls around. However, Utah, which is 10-7 in conference play and 17-11 overall, is still in a position where the Utes are batting for a spot in the tournament. Utah, however, didn’t handle UCLA’s defense pressure well in the first game.
The Bruins will torment Utah’s shooters and cover the spread on the road. UCLA has won six straight games and is looking like a legitimate contender for a national championship. When it comes to making NCAAB picks on the total, this is a game that should go under the number.
UCLA should win a way to push its total toward the 70s, but the Bruins limited Utah to 49 points during their first meeting. The Utes won’t find the answers at home, either. This game will be comfortably under the number.
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