UCLA Bruins vs Gonzaga Bulldogs NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/28/24

The Bruins and Bulldogs are set to face off at 4:00 ET on FOX. The Bulldogs will host the game at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, CA. The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 148.5 points, and Gonzaga is favored by -4.5 at home against UCLA.

UCLA BRUINS VS GONZAGA BULLDOGS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Gonzaga Bulldogs -4.5

This game will be played at Intuit Dome at 4:00 ET on Saturday, December 28th.

WHY BET THE GONZAGA BULLDOGS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-71 in favor of the Bulldogs.
• Not only will Gonzaga pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -4.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 148.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 148 points.

Can the Bruins Grab a Win on the Road?

UCLA’s season record now stands at 10-2 after a narrow 76-74 loss to North Carolina on Saturday. The Bruins, who were favored by 1.5 points, not only lost the game but also failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game ended at 150, just over the pre-game O/U line of 149.5.

UCLA led 40-32 at halftime but struggled defensively in the second half, allowing 44 points while scoring 34. This home loss marks a setback for the Bruins as they look to regroup moving forward.

UCLA’s offense put up 74 points in their last game, shooting 49.1% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc, hitting 9 of 18 three-point attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 56.6%, though they struggled at the free-throw line, making just 59.1% of their 22 attempts.

Tyler Bilodeau led the way with 26 points, hitting 5 of 6 threes and shooting 64.3% overall. Ian Jackson added 24 points, shooting 61.5% from the field, while Sebastian Mack contributed 22 points, connecting on 3 of 4 from deep.

UCLA’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 76 points while allowing the opposing team to shoot 49% from the field. They allowed 17 two-point baskets on 35 attempts, a 48% shooting rate.

From beyond the arc, UCLA’s defense couldn’t contain the three-point shooters, who hit 9 of 18 attempts, shooting 50%. The opposing team also went to the free-throw line 22 times, making 13 of those for a 59% success rate. UCLA gave up 7 offensive rebounds.

Will the Bulldogs Win at Intuit Dome?

Gonzaga improved to 9-3 on the season with an 86-65 home win over Bucknell on Saturday, December 21st. Despite being heavy -34 favorites, the Bulldogs didn’t cover the spread. The game’s total points of 151 fell short of the 154.5 O/U line.

Leading 38-27 at halftime, Gonzaga scored 48 points in the 2nd half while allowing 38. Though they secured the win, the Bulldogs didn’t meet expectations as they allowed Bucknell to keep the game closer than anticipated.

Gonzaga put up 86 points in their last game, shooting 47.9% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 56.3%. They hit 61.1% of their two-point attempts, while connecting on 34.3% from beyond the arc, making 12 threes in the game.

The Bulldogs dished out 21 assists and grabbed 10 offensive rebounds. Graham Ike led the way with 25 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 73.3% from the field. Nolan Hickman and Josh Bascoe each added 14 points, with Hickman hitting 4 threes at a 50% clip.

Gonzaga’s defense gave up 65 points, with their opponent shooting 47% from the field. The Bulldogs allowed 34 field goals on 71 attempts.

Inside the arc, Gonzaga’s defense struggled, giving up 22 two-point field goals on 36 attempts (61%). From three-point range, their opponent hit 12 of 35 shots (34%).