Idaho State Bengals vs UCLA Bruins NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 11/20/24
Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Bengals versus the Bruins? Tip off is at at 11:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on BTN. The game will be played at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, CA. The over/under for this game is set at 132.5 points, and UCLA is favored by -23.5 against Idaho State in a non-conference matchup.
IDAHO STATE BENGALS VS UCLA BRUINS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Idaho State Bengals +23.5
This game will be played at Pauley Pavilion at 11:00 ET on Wednesday, November 20th.
WHY BET THE IDAHO STATE BENGALS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 74-73 in favor of the Bruins.
- Even though we have UCLA winning straight-up, we like Idaho State at +23.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 132.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 147 points.
Is a Road Win Possible for Idaho State?
Idaho State Bengals Recent Game/Games
Idaho State fell just short in a 62-61 loss to Cal State Fullerton on Monday, November 18th. The Bengals, who were +2.5 point underdogs, managed to cover the spread, but couldn’t pull off the win. The game’s total points of 123 fell under the pre-game O/U line of 133.5.
Idaho State led 32-31 at halftime but were outscored 31-29 in the second half. Despite the close loss, the Bengals’ ability to keep the game tight against the Titans could be a positive takeaway.
Idaho State’s offense struggled in their last game, shooting just 30.9% from the field and 21.4% from beyond the arc, hitting 6 of 28 three-point attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 35.3%, but they excelled at the free-throw line, making 13 of 14 attempts for a 92.9% success rate.
On the offensive glass, the Bengals grabbed 22 rebounds, but managed only 5 assists as a team. John Mikey Square, Dylan Darling, and Jake O’Neil each scored 17 points, with O’Neil adding 12 rebounds. Darling hit 3 of 6 threes, while Donovan Oday was perfect from deep, going 3 for 3.
Idaho State’s defense gave up 62 points, with their opponents shooting 49% from the field, converting 24 of 49 attempts. Inside the arc, the Bengals allowed 17 of 34 shots to fall, a 50% success rate.
From three-point range, Idaho State’s defense saw their opponents hit 7 of 15 attempts, shooting 46%. They also sent the other team to the line 8 times, where they made 7 free throws, an 87% rate.
Are the Bruins Ready for a Home Win?
The Bruins cruised to an 85-45 win over Lehigh on Friday, November 15th. UCLA was a heavy favorite at -23 points and covered the spread. The total points for the game were 130, falling under the O/U line of 137.
UCLA dominated early, leading 44-16 at halftime. They continued their strong play in the 2nd half, scoring 41 points while allowing 29.
UCLA put up 85 points in their last game, shooting 55.4% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 57.1%. Their two-point shooting was a standout, hitting 65.1% (28/43), while they struggled from beyond the arc, making just 3 of 13 attempts (23.1%).
At the free-throw line, the Bruins connected on 76.9% of their shots (20/26) and grabbed 11 offensive rebounds. Aday Mara was highly efficient, shooting 87.5% (7/8) from the field in just 13 minutes, while Eric Dailey Jr. added 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Despite UCLA’s defensive struggles, the Bruins still managed to hold their opponent to 45 points. However, they allowed a high field goal percentage of 55%, with the other team shooting 28/43 (65%) from two-point range.
UCLA did limit their opponent’s three-point shooting, holding them to just 3/13 (23%). The other team also went 20/26 (76%) from the free-throw line, and UCLA gave up 11 offensive rebounds.