UCLA Bruins vs
Rutgers Scarlet KnightsPredictions & Preview

UCLA vs Rutgers Big Ten Conference Matchup Set to Tip Off: UCLA Favored to Win by 2.75 Points

The Big Ten conference matchup between UCLA and Rutgers is set to tip off on Monday evening. This game marks the first time these two programs have met since 1981, with both teams looking to bounce back from recent losses. UCLA is coming off a road loss in Maryland, while Rutgers just fell to #20 Purdue at home. UCLA is favored to win by 2.75 points, with the game airing on FS1 at 6:30 EST from Jersey Mike's Arena in Piscataway, New Jersey.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Bruins -139 | Scarlet Knights +115
• Spread: Bruins -2.75 (-110) | Scarlet Knights +2.75 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 138.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that UCLA will win straight-up is 58%.

UCLA vs Rutgers Stats

UCLA Bruins

The UCLA Bruins, led by head coach Mick Cronin, have been facing challenges recently with three consecutive losses and a 2-3 record in league play. Despite their struggles, junior forward Tyler Bilodeau has been a standout player, leading the team in scoring with 14.9 PPG and showcasing his outside shooting skills. Eric Dailey Jr., a transfer from Oklahoma State, provides additional scoring support and rebounding. Kobe Johnson also contributes as a strong role player. UCLA ranks 31st overall in Division I according to KenPom, with a slow offensive pace and solid defensive efficiency. Offensively, the Bruins are shooting well from the field and free throw line, but struggle with three-point shooting. Defensively, they have strong statistics in field goal percentage allowed, but struggle with defending the three-pointer. Overall, UCLA's performance this season has been a mix of successes and challenges, with room for improvement in various aspects of their game.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Analysis

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights brought in two highly-touted freshmen, Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, who are future NBA prospects. However, despite their talent, the team has struggled to convert their potential into wins, losing their last three games. Bailey and Harper have been standout performers, with Bailey averaging 18.9 PPG and 7.6 RPG, while Harper leads the team with 20.1 PPG and 4.4 APG. The team's offensive efficiency ranks 109th, while their defensive efficiency ranks 84th. Additionally, Rutgers plays at a fast pace, ranking 69th in the country. Despite their challenges, the Scarlet Knights have shown promise and continue to develop their young talent.

Rutgers Poised for Victory Against Struggling UCLA

In this particular matchup, Rutgers presents a favorable opportunity to achieve a victory, as they are poised to quickly recover from recent setbacks. Meanwhile, UCLA is currently facing a period of struggle, with players demonstrating a lack of responsiveness. Despite the efforts of UCLA head coach Mick Cronin to inspire his team, their performance has been below par. The team's defeat in their subsequent game resulted in Cronin's ejection as he criticized the referees. The team has not performed well since facing Gonzaga. Rutgers' key players, Harper and Bailey, are expected to deliver a strong performance, with Bailey proving to be a superior match for UCLA's top player, Bilodeau. With the talent on Rutgers' side, a victory appears within reach, as they are likely to outperform the struggling Bruins in the upcoming game. Therefore, a successful outcome for Rutgers is a plausible prediction.

Sources: [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ]