Wisconsin Badgers vs UCLA Bruins NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/21/25
Betting on today’s Badgers and Bruins game? Catch the action at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, CA, as the Bruins hosts this showdown at 9:30 ET on PEAC. The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 139.5 points, and UCLA is favored by -3.5 to win at home against Wisconsin.
WISCONSIN BADGERS VS UCLA BRUINS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Wisconsin Badgers +3.5
This game will be played at Pauley Pavilion at 9:30 ET on Tuesday, January 21st.
WHY BET THE WISCONSIN BADGERS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 74-72 in favor of the Bruins.
- Even though we have UCLA winning straight-up, we like Wisconsin at +3.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 139.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 146 points.
Can the Badgers Offense Score Enough in Los Angeles?
Wisconsin Badgers Recent Game/Games
Wisconsin improved to 15-3 on the season with an 84-69 road win over USC on Saturday. Entering the game as +1.5 point underdogs, the Badgers not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread.
Wisconsin jumped out to a 42-27 lead at halftime and maintained that pace in the 2nd half, scoring 42 points while allowing 42. The game’s total points of 153 narrowly exceeded the O/U line of 151.5.
Wisconsin’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their latest game, putting up 84 points with a field goal percentage of 56.4%. Their effective field goal percentage was even more impressive at 65.5%, thanks in large part to their 81.5% shooting from two-point range (22/27). From beyond the arc, the Badgers hit 9 of 28 attempts, shooting 32.1%, and they were nearly automatic from the free-throw line, going 13 of 15 (86.7%).
John Blackwell led the way with 28 points, shooting 62.5% from the field, though he struggled from three, hitting just 2 of 7 attempts. Saint Thomas added 19 points, connecting on 2 of 3 from deep, while Max Klesmit contributed 18 points, despite shooting just 2 of 9 from three-point range. The Badgers finished with 17 assists as a team, with Blackwell and Nolan Winter each grabbing 5 rebounds.
Despite Wisconsin’s defensive efforts, they allowed 69 points on 49% shooting from the field. The opposing team hit 20 of their 38 two-point attempts, shooting 52% inside the arc.
From three-point range, Wisconsin’s opponents shot 40%, making 6 of 15 attempts. At the free-throw line, they went 11/17, shooting 64%. Wisconsin gave up 7 offensive rebounds.
Will UCLA Secure A Victory as Home Favorites?
UCLA Bruins Recent Game/Games
UCLA improved to 12-6 on the season with a 94-70 home win over Iowa on Friday. The Bruins entered the game as -6.5 favorites and covered the spread, while the total points of 164 exceeded the O/U line of 151.5.
UCLA dominated the first half, leading 57-24, but allowed 46 points in the second half while scoring 37. Despite the defensive lapse, the Bruins’ early lead was too much for Iowa to overcome.
UCLA’s offense was firing on all cylinders, putting up 94 points with a 62.1% field goal percentage. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 69%, thanks to 80% shooting on two-pointers (28/35). From beyond the arc, they hit 8 of 23 attempts, shooting 34.8%.
The Bruins dished out 26 assists, with Eric Dailey Jr. leading the way with 23 points and 4 assists. Josh Dix added 19 points, hitting 5 of 7 threes, while Tyler Bilodeau contributed 18 points, shooting 8 of 10 from the field.
UCLA’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 70 points while allowing the opposing team to shoot 62% from the field. They were particularly vulnerable inside, where they allowed 28 two-point baskets on 35 attempts, an 80% conversion rate.
From beyond the arc, UCLA’s opponents hit 8 of 23 three-point attempts, shooting 34%. The Bruins also sent them to the free-throw line 20 times, where they converted 14 free throws at a 70% rate. UCLA gave up 11 offensive rebounds in the game.