UCLA vs Utah Odds
| UCLA Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+8.5 -110 | 138.5 -110o / -110u | +320 |
| Utah Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-8.5 -110 | 138.5 -110o / -110u | -400 |
Pac-12 play continues as UCLA hits the road to take on Utah. These two teams are both looking to get their seasons back on track.
The Utes have lost two straight games for the second time this season and are looking to put an end to their losing streak before it snowballs.
Meanwhile, UCLA has now lost seven of its last eight games and looks far from the team that played competitively in the Maui Invitational back in November.
UCLA's best win to this point in the season is a seven-point road win over Oregon State. Outside of that, the Bruins are 0-9 against top-200 opponents. They haven't been competitive against quality opponents.
With a roster loaded with youth, head coach Mick Cronin has voiced his frustrations with his players and his school as an institution. This is a team in free fall, and it'll take a drastic change to get things going in the opposite direction.
Utah has been a much better basketball team than UCLA, but that didn't matter last week. Utah rolled into the state of Arizona, losing back-to-back games against Arizona State and Arizona in blowout fashion.
At its best, Utah can beat a top-ranked team like BYU and play Houston close. At its worst, it can get run off the floor.
UCLA Bruins
UCLA just doesn't have any answers on offense. This is one of the worst offensive basketball teams at the high-major level.
As a team, the Bruins make only 28% of their 3-point shots (and they rarely take them), while making just 45% of their 2-point shots. Combine those, and you get the 216th-rated offense in college basketball.
Adem Bona has been the best player for the Bruins, but he's far from an offensive engine. He also has struggled as the primary option.
They have to win games with stellar defense — which they can do — but it's easier said than done against opposing offenses that have a pulse.
Utah Utes
Utah's offense is better than just another unit with a pulse. The Utes have the 28th-ranked offense in college basketball, and they have shooters all over the floor.
Gabe Madsen, Cole Bajema and Branden Carlson each make 38% or higher from 3-point range on high volume. They can space you out at all five positions, making Utah difficult to stop for long stretches.
Utah likes to play fast, which could pose a problem for UCLA (327th in the country in tempo).
Whichever team dictates the pace of play could determine who covers in this spot.
UCLA vs. Utah
Betting Pick & Prediction
Utah should be very excited to be back home after the trip to Arizona.
Against a floundering team, Utah's shooters should have zero problems getting open.
Take the Utes to win comfortably.
Pick: Utah -8.5
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