The Utah Runnin’ Utes (16-13, 10-7 Pac-12) welcome the UCLA Bruins (16-14, 9-8 Pac-12) to Jon M. Huntsman Center as the regular season comes to a close. Action gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 9, 2019, and can be seen on Pac-12 Network.
UCLA Bruins vs. Utah Runnin’ Utes Betting Odds
In their last contest, the Runnin’ Utes beat the USC Trojans, 83-74, while the Bruins got blown out by the Colorado Buffaloes, 93-68.
Utah played a nearly flawless game. They had a fantastic offensive rebounding percentage of 33.3 (above their season average of 31.1) and a free throw rate of 0.169 (matching their season average). USC was 12.0 and 0.130, respectively, for those same stats. UCLA, on the other hand, had a better free throw rate (0.234 vs. 0.261). Utah rallied around Timmy Allen, who contributed 19 points, five rebounds and five assists. Meanwhile, Kris Wilkes had a good game for UCLA, finishing with 19 points and five rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Riley Battin led the Runnin’ Utes to a 93-92 win. He put up 18 points and eight rebounds. Utah had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.6 vs. 11.5). UCLA, meanwhile, did an excellent job of making free throws (22-30; 73.3 percent).
The prolific offense of Utah (43rd in the country with an offensive efficiency of 112.2) will face off against the mid-tier defense of UCLA (226th in the nation with a defensive efficiency of 104.8). The Runnin’ Utes figure to have the edge on that end of the court. It will also be a tale of two tempos as the fast-paced Bruins rank 22nd in possessions per game, while the more methodical Runnin’ Utes rank 259th.
UCLA Bruins at Utah Runnin’ Utes Odds Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Utah, ATS Winner – UCLA, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Utah ranks 49th in three pointers attempted per game (25.7) while UCLA ranks 273rd in three pointers allowed per game (27.3).
- The Bruins rank 48th in blocks per game (4.1) while the Runnin’ Utes rank 156th (2.6).
- The Runnin’ Utes rank 39th in rebounds allowed per game (31.9) while the Bruins rank 215th (36.5).
- Utah ranks 87th in assists per game (14.4) while UCLA ranks 262nd in assists allowed per game (17.2).
Bettings Trends:
- The Runnin’ Utes have been outscored by an average of 2.8 points in their last five games. On the season, Utah has defeated opponents by an average of 1.1 points.
- During their last five games, the Bruins have scored an average of 79.8 points per game (1.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 87.0 points per game (9.7 above their season average).
