UCLA Bruins vs Arizona Wildcats NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/14/24

Looking to win big? The Bruins and Wildcats face off at 3:00 ET on ESPN2. The Wildcats are hosting the game at Footprint Center in Phoenix, AZ. The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 147 points, and Arizona is favored by -3.5 at home against UCLA.

UCLA BRUINS VS ARIZONA WILDCATS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Arizona Wildcats -3.5

This game will be played at Footprint Center at 3:00 ET on Saturday, December 14th.

WHY BET THE ARIZONA WILDCATS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 78-70 in favor of the Wildcats.
• Not only will Arizona pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -3.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 147 points, and we like the over with a projected 148 points.

Is a Road Win Possible for UCLA?

UCLA improved to 8-1 on the season with a 73-71 road win over Oregon on Sunday, December 8th. The Bruins entered the game as +3.5 point underdogs and covered the spread with the victory.

UCLA trailed 34-33 at halftime but outscored Oregon 40-37 in the second half. The total points for the game were 144, going over the pre-game O/U line of 137.5.

UCLA’s offense put up 73 points in their last game, shooting 45.2% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 54.8%, thanks in large part to their 52.2% shooting from beyond the arc, hitting 12 of 23 attempts. Inside the arc, they struggled, connecting on just 41% of their two-point shots.

Nate Bittle led the way with 22 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 61.5% overall and 66.7% from three. Eric Dailey Jr. was efficient as well, scoring 19 points on 87.5% shooting, including 75% from deep. UCLA finished with 10 assists and 6 offensive rebounds, while hitting 5 of 7 free throws.

UCLA’s defense gave up 71 points, with their opponents shooting 47% from the field. The Bruins allowed 17 two-point baskets on 34 attempts, a 50% shooting rate.

From beyond the arc, UCLA’s opponent hit 9 of 21 threes, shooting 42%. They also went 10/14 from the free-throw line, hitting 71%. UCLA allowed 9 offensive rebounds.

Is a Home Win Possible for the Wildcats?

Arizona improved to 4-4 on the season with a dominant 102-66 win over Southern Utah on Saturday. The Wildcats, who were -28 point favorites, covered the spread in this one.

Arizona jumped out to a big lead, going up 55-23 at halftime. While they scored 47 points in the 2nd half, they allowed 43, which is something they’ll want to tighten up. The game’s total points of 168 went over the O/U line of 158.5.

Arizona’s offense was firing on all cylinders, putting up 102 points with a 50% shooting performance from the field. They connected on 37.5% of their three-point attempts, hitting 6 of 16, and were solid from the free-throw line, making 28 of 36 for a 77.8% rate. The Wildcats also grabbed 16 offensive rebounds and dished out 23 assists in the game.

Jamir Simpson led the way with 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists, shooting 53.3% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc. Anthony Dell’Orso added 19 points in just 18 minutes, hitting 3 of 4 from deep, while KJ Lewis contributed 15 points and 8 rebounds, shooting 85.7% overall.

Arizona’s defense gave up 66 points, with their opponents shooting 50% from the field, hitting 34 of 68 shots. Inside the arc, they allowed 28 baskets on 52 attempts, a 53% success rate.

From three-point range, Arizona’s defense saw 6 of 16 shots go down, a 37% clip. They also sent their opponents to the free-throw line 36 times, where they converted 28, shooting 77%. Arizona allowed 16 offensive rebounds.