Overview
UCLA will be happy to be back at Pauley Pavilion following a four-game road trip that saw the Bruins take three losses, including two top-ranked teams. Washington State may be the perfect relief for UCLA. The Cougars enter the game having lost its last three games and are 3-60 all-time in road matchups with UCLA.
Last Games Records
Washington State lost 62-59 at Oregon Feb. 14. The Cougars are 14-10 overall and 7-6 in Pac 12 play.
UCLA lost 67-64 at rival USC on Feb. 17. The Bruins are 17-5 overall and 9-4 in the Pac 12.
Matchup Information:
- 8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022
- Los Angeles, Calif.
- Pauley Pavilion
Washington State vs UCLA Betting Analysis
Washington State Betting Analysis
The Cougars appeared to be a team headed toward a surprise NCAAB bid earlier this season. However, a three-game losing streak has Washington State spiraling. The Cougars haven’t won at Pauley Pavilion since 2009.
Washington State has seen a recent surge from Michael Flowers, who has scored 20 more points three times in the last five games. The senior guard averages a team-high 13.9 points per game this season. The Cougars’ success this season has come from leaning on its defense. Washington State allows 62.5 points per game, which ranks 28th nationally.
The Cougars are also in the top 50 nationally in defensive field goal percentage. Washington State limits its opponents to 40.3 percent shooting from the field. Washington State has limited two of its Pac 12 opponents to 45 points or fewer including limiting Arizona State to an embarrassing 29 earlier in the season.
UCLA Betting Analysis
The Bruins have had their shares of peaks and valleys, but the Bruins at their peak are tough to scale. UCLA is second in the Pac 12 in the margin of victory, beating opponents by 11.2 points per game. The Bruins also are second in the Pac 12 in scoring, averaging 77.1 points per game.
UCLA’s offense is led by Johnny Juzang, who contributes 17.9 points per game. Jamie Jaquez Jr. and Tyger Campbell also average in double figures, contributing 12.3 and 10.4 points per game. The Bruins make 6.8 3-pointers per game and shoot 37.2 percent from the perimeter.
Most importantly for UCLA, the Bruins take care of the ball. UCLA ranks in the top 10 nationally for fewest turnovers. The Bruins only give the ball away 9.3 times per game, which is the fourth-best mark in the country.
Team Updates
UCLA lost Chris Smith, who averaged 12.6 points per game in eight appearances this season, to an ACL tear on Jan. 8. Mac Etienne, a Bruins’ reserve, has an uncertain status for the game due to him being arrested recently. Etienne wasn’t available for UCLA’s loss to USC last week.
- UCLA is 10-11-1 against the spread.
- Washington State is 11-13 against the spread.
- The under is 16-7-1 in the Cougars’ games this season.
- The over is 10-12 in UCLA’s games this season.
Washington State at UCLA Betting Preview
UCLA is an 8.5-point favorite over Washington State. The Bruins are -455 on the moneyline, while Washington State is +330. The over/under is set at 131 points.
Washington State at UCLA Prediction
Washington State has been in freefall recently and will be up against a UCLA team that is battling through some bumps and bruises. The Bruins are also battling through the dog days at the end of a conference schedule where the UCLA’s players know they are already headed toward March Madness.
While the Bruins may still be vulnerable, don’t expect the Cougars to be the team that will push them. UCLA still has too much firepower for Washington State to overcome on the road.
The Bruins should cover the -8.5 point spread. UCLA will win by double figures and cover easily as home favorites.
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