Everybody loves a battle between David and Goliath, and on Thursday night, you are getting just that. The No. 7 UCLA Bruins (19-4, 10-2 Pac-12) travel to Gill Coliseum to take on Oregon State (9-15, 3-10 Pac-12). It is a battle between the best team in the conference–and one of the best teams in the world–and the team tied with the most losses in the conference.
When gearing up for UCLA vs Oregon State Beavers betting, it is clear who the favorite is on the NCAAB odds, but we may have different NCAAB picks for you to follow. In a day filled with many pivotal NCAA basketball games today, both teams need a win badly.
UCLA Bruins vs. Oregon State Beavers
UCLA Bruins at Oregon State Beavers Information
UCLA Bruins vs. Oregon State Beavers
Location: Gill Coliseum, Corvallis, OR
Date and Time: Thursday, February 8, 2023, 9:00 PM ET)
How to Watch: Pac-12 Network | https://livestreamsports.co/
UCLA Bruins at Oregon State Recent Scores
Looking at the recent games between these two teams, you may be surprised to hear that this could go either way. Sure, the UCLA Bruins standings show them as a top 10 team in the country, but they are only 3-2 in their last five games. On the other hand, the Oregon State Beavers stats have improved, and they are 2-3 in their last five outings.
The momentum is not necessarily on either team’s side. When you play Oregon State on their home floor, it is not the walk in the park on the NCAAB schedule you might expect on paper. UCLA has lost its last two games on the road, and Oregon State won its last home game. Which streak do you think will end when you are UCLA vs Oregon State betting?
UCLA Bruins at Oregon State Beavers Betting Analysis
UCLA Bruins Facts to Know
Entering the season, the UCLA Bruins were expected to be one of the best teams in the country. They have lived up to that expectation as they search for their 20th win on Thursday night. In a down year within the Pac-12, the Bruins look to stretch their lead over the Arizona Wildcats and USC Trojans.
As alluded to above, the Bruins have lost their last two road games. These games were against Arizona and USC, which were both Quad 1 losses. Every loss hurts in conference play, but those can certainly be forgiven. The Gill Coliseum will certainly not be rocking like the battle of Los Angeles two weeks ago.
Preparing for the Bruins is very tough; a different player can light you up on any given night. With four different players scoring in double figures, scoring comes with ease in Southern California. The main player to watch is the sensational Jaime Jaquez Jr., who averages 16.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game.
Not only do the Bruins have the best record in the conference, but they also have the best record against the spread at 13-10. The important theme to follow is that they have only covered in one of their last four games. On the season, UCLA is 11-12 in the over/under.
Oregon State Beavers Facts to Know
The Oregon State Beavers and the UCLA Bruins both have the number 9 when it comes to their number of wins. For the Beavers, however, they do not have a “1” in front of it. Oregon State is seeking double-digit wins and their first win of February.
It has been a down year for the entire Oregon State team. In their last win at home, the attendance was less than 3,800. So much for home-court advantage, right? Wrong. Oregon State has been impressive at home with an 8-4 record. All but one of their wins this season has come at Gill Coliseum. A win here over a top 10 team could get the crowd in orange and black rockin’ again.
Oregon State is certainly not known for its offensive firepower. As a whole, they average just 62.0 points per game and are led by Jordan Pope with 12.6. Close your eyes for this one, Oregon State fans. The Beavers are 351st in points per game, 336th in rebounds per game, 335th in assists per game, and 300th in field goal percentage out of all NCAA basketball teams.
They do not have many star college basketball players, but if they can slow down the UCLA offense, this could be a slow and sloppy game. Believe it or not, that is the type of game Oregon State wants.
When it comes to covering the spread, the Beavers have been pretty solid at 12-11 this season. It obviously helps when you are almost always the underdog. To no surprise at all, they are 7-16 against the over/under, which is the worst in the Pac-12. The under has hit in their last six games.
Updates
Taking a look at the college basketball injury report prior to tipoff between the UCLA Bruins and Oregon State Beavers shows more signs of defeat for the home team. Oregon State has three players listed on the injury report compared to just one for the Bruins.
Evan Manjikian of the Bruins is listed as out but only appeared in two games this season. Jayden Stevens is listed as questionable, and Justin Rochelin and Chol Marial are out indefinitely. All three players average double-digit minutes when healthy. None of the balls seem to be bouncing the way of the Beavers. The injury report will play a large factor in the UCLA vs Oregon State betting.
UCLA Bruins at Oregon State Beavers Betting Preview
Finally, it is time to list the odds for the UCLA Bruins at Oregon State Beavers. The spread is wide, but I am surprised it is not wider. The Oregon State Beavers are +14½ (110) underdogs on their home floor. UCLA -14½ (-110) is expected to win with ease and boost their lead in the Pac-12.
The over/under for this game is listed at an even 125 (-110). For the Bruins, the projected team total is 70 (-110) and 55½ (-110) for the Beavers.
UCLA Bruins vs. Oregon State Beavers Betting Prediction
The UCLA Bruins may very well be the most talented team in all of basketball. Unfortunately, when it comes to the Oregon State Beavers, they are far from that. UCLA has close to the best odds to win March Madness and look to continue rolling over competition. The Bruins -14½ (-110) will cover on the road against Oregon State.
Scoring comes with ease for the Bruins. With so many weapons, they are a dangerous bunch. Even if they have a poor offensive night, the Beavers are only projected to score 55 points. UCLA could do that in their sleep. Stay away from the over/under and the moneyline and focus solely on the spread. UCLA will win this game by at least 20 points. According to the college basketball standings, the best bet is to take UCLA -14½ (-110).
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